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

Both are Michigan law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Michigan is the more selective admit (median LSAT 171 vs 162); Michigan posts the higher first-time bar passage (95.57% vs 78.34%); Michigan State University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($43,480 vs $76,108); Michigan places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.7% vs 88.3%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricMichigan State UniversityMichiganBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT162171Michigan
Median undergraduate GPA3.733.88Michigan
Acceptance rate26%8.6%Michigan
Cost
Resident tuition$43,480$76,108Michigan State University
Non-resident tuition$48,222$79,108Michigan State University
Median grant$42,682$32,000Michigan State University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage78.34%95.57%Michigan
Two-year ultimate bar passage79.82%98.7%Michigan
Bar passage vs. state average+4 pts+15.1 ptsMichigan
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment88.3%97.7%Michigan
Large-firm (250+) employment6.6%57.1%Michigan
Federal clerkships2%9.9%Michigan

15-year trajectory

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
First-time bar passage: 93.33% in 2011 to 95.57% in 202590%92%94%96%98%111315182022242595.57%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Michigan — First-time bar passage
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
Resident tuition: $46,830 in 2011 to $76,108 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,000$80,0001113151719212325$76,108
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Michigan — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

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

FAQ

Is Michigan State University or Michigan harder to get into?

Michigan is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 171 against Michigan State University's 162.

Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or Michigan?

Michigan State University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $43,480 versus Michigan's $76,108.

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

Michigan has the higher first-time bar passage, 95.57% against Michigan State University's 78.34%.

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

Michigan places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.7% vs 88.3%).

Michigan State University vs Michigan: 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 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.

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