Law at Michigan State University
First Professional Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Michigan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Michigan State University graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all law professional programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Law professional's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | $67,554 | $78,397 | — | — |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $170,537 | $176,085 | — | — |
| Wayne State University | $70,500 | $86,839 | — | — |
| University of Detroit Mercy | $63,731 | $76,916 | — | — |
| Thomas M Cooley Law School | $45,431 | $60,910 | — | — |
| National Median | $67,512 | — | — | — |
Other Law Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor | $17,228 | $170,537 | — |
| Wayne State University Detroit | $14,297 | $70,500 | — |
| University of Detroit Mercy Detroit | $32,300 | $63,731 | — |
| Thomas M Cooley Law School Lansing | — | $45,431 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Michigan State University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.