Does Michigan State University pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Michigan State University employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.7 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Michigan State University. This rating has improved by 1% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Michigan State University?

85% of Michigan State University employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Michigan State University 4.2 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.0 for culture and values and 3.9 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Michigan State University?

Research Assistant (250) , Graduate Research Assistant (232) , Research Associate (68) , Teaching Assistant (67) , Graduate Teaching Assistant (50) , Service Center Representative (49) , Undergraduate Research Assistant (49) , Graduate Assistant (46) , Postdoctoral Research Associate (46) , Graduate Student (39) , Student Assistant (36) , Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (33) , Assistant Professor (32) , Intern (27) , Undergraduate Learning Assistant (27)

What are the pros of working at Michigan State University according to real employee reviews?

"the benefits are great and the job is flexible" ((in 218 reviews)); "It has been great to work alongside so many great minds and people who are invested in their work." ((in 202 reviews)); "Usually flexible hours and usually you aren't working the maximum weekly hours in my experience." ((in 146 reviews)); "MSU has a beautiful campus and is honestly it's a pleasure to head into work every morning." ((in 105 reviews)); "Flexible schedules and lots of options on campus for work" ((in 61 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Michigan State University according to real employee reviews?

"The only con I would have to say about working at MSU is the low pay." ((in 181 reviews)); "Low salary; Not many works" ((in 69 reviews)); "poor management can make a job less desirable." ((in 48 reviews)); "lack of leadership" ((in 20 reviews)); "Poor communication and organization." ((in 17 reviews))

What are employees saying about Michigan State University redundancies in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Michigan State University redundancy and their outlook for job security at Michigan State University in 2026.

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Michigan State University

Michigan State University reviews about "campus"

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65% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

4.4

Diversity and inclusion

4.2

Work/Life balance

4.0

Culture and values

3.9

Career opportunities

3.7

Senior management

3.7

Compensation and benefits

Reviews by job title

207 reviews

5.0

18 Apr 2025

good place to work at

Student assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Flexible Hours: Usually good for scheduling around classes. Time for Homework: Often slow periods let you study or do assignments on the clock. On-Campus Convenience: Easy to get to work between or after classes. Professional Experience: Looks good on a résumé and helps build soft skills (communication, time management).

Cons

Late Shifts: Working late can mess with sleep or social plans. Repetitive Tasks: Sometimes the work can be slow or boring depending on the department. Lower Pay: Student assistant jobs usually pay minimum wage or slightly above.

4.0

29 Mar 2025

Great place to study for a PhD

Graduate research assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

- affordable housing and living expense compared to other regions - quiet and clean campus town - stipends that matches the cost of living, not plentiful but you can live with it

Cons

- not an optimal place to live for 4+ years if you prefer fast-paced metropolitan areas - big campus but only one legit library

3.0

29 Sept 2025

Could be better

Director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Benefits, flexibility, campus, matching, insurance

Cons

Pay, and unchecked power of tenure faculty

5.0

15 May 2025

MSU

Graduate research assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Beautiful Campus, Wide Range of Programs

Cons

College Town, Cold during Winter

5.0

22 May 2025

Fantastic Place to Work

Information technology analyst

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Great work life balance, opportunities for remote work, yearly cost of living raises, around a dozen unions on campus protect the workers, great PTO, lots of opportunities and encouragement for professional development and education, and you are helping a public institution instead of worrying about profits like a private sector job.

Cons

Honestly, I am struggling to think of any real cons.

4.0

24 Sept 2025

Great place to work

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Once you get in, lots of opportunities for growth all around campus. Much more likely to hire internally for positions.

Cons

Most of MSU is one sided when it comes to policy and politics, you must be ok with that or just stay quiet.

4.0

30 Jul 2025

Great Campus, Great Benefits

Office secretary iii

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Excellent benefits, generous with vacation and PTO. Many opportunities for professional development, educational assistance.

Cons

Limited opportunities for promotion or reclassification. Merit increases are rare.

4.0

30 Jun 2025

MSU postdoc

Postdoctoral fellow

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

A nice campus, relatively cheap area

Cons

Max 1 year contract, that can be extended yearly

5.0

7 Apr 2026

Great social opportunities but long hours and downtime

Orientation leader

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Fun way to meet people on campus

Cons

Long hours and sometimes not a lot to do

Viewing 1 - 3 of 207 Reviews

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good place to work at

Great place to study for a PhD

Could be better

MSU

Fantastic Place to Work

Great place to work

Great Campus, Great Benefits

MSU postdoc

Great social opportunities but long hours and downtime

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