Detroit Mercy vs. Michigan State University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Michigan law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Michigan State University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 162 vs 156); Michigan State University posts the higher first-time bar passage (78.34% vs 70.83%); Michigan State University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($43,480 vs $48,480); Detroit Mercy places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (91.6% vs 88.3%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricDetroit MercyMichigan State UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT156162Michigan State University
Median undergraduate GPA3.523.73Michigan State University
Acceptance rate41.4%26%Michigan State University
Cost
Resident tuition$48,480$43,480Michigan State University
Non-resident tuition$48,480$48,222Michigan State University
Median grant$18,636$42,682Michigan State University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage70.83%78.34%Michigan State University
Two-year ultimate bar passage77.88%79.82%Michigan State University
Bar passage vs. state average-2.4 pts+4 ptsMichigan State University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment91.6%88.3%Detroit Mercy
Large-firm (250+) employment7.3%6.6%Detroit Mercy
Federal clerkships0%2%Michigan State University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 77.59% in 2011 to 70.83% in 202550%60%70%80%90%111315182022242570.83%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Detroit Mercy — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 84.61% in 2011 to 78.34% in 202565%70%75%80%85%90%111315182022242578.34%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Michigan State University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $36,050 in 2011 to $48,480 in 2025$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,0001113151719212325$48,480
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Detroit Mercy — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $34,882 in 2011 to $43,480 in 2025$30,000$35,000$40,000$45,000$50,0001113151719212325$43,480
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Michigan State University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Detroit Mercy full profile · Michigan State University full profile · All Michigan law schools

FAQ

Is Detroit Mercy or Michigan State University harder to get into?

Michigan State University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 162 against Detroit Mercy's 156.

Which is cheaper, Detroit Mercy or Michigan State University?

Michigan State University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $43,480 versus Detroit Mercy's $48,480.

Which has better bar passage, Detroit Mercy or Michigan State University?

Michigan State University has the higher first-time bar passage, 78.34% against Detroit Mercy's 70.83%.

Which has better job outcomes, Detroit Mercy or Michigan State University?

Detroit Mercy places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (91.6% vs 88.3%).

Detroit Mercy vs Michigan State University: which is better?

It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Michigan State University leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

Exhibit 509 by 509αNewsletterTermsPrivacyAccessibilitySitemap● Sourced from ABA Standard 509 · Last synced June 26, 2026