Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Michigan State University vs Grand Valley State University: which has better ROI?

Public, East Lansing MI · vs · Public, Allendale MI

The verdict

Michigan State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,720 in 4.2 years versus 8.4 years at Grand Valley State University, on median earnings of $67,253 vs $56,118 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureMichigan State UniversityGrand Valley State University
Net price / yr$19,680$16,317
Total net cost$78,720$65,268
Median earnings, 10 yrs$67,253$56,118
Median debt$23,250$24,500
Payback4.2 yrs8.4 yrs
20-year net return$299,140$89,892

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.