I realize choosing between these two schools is not an uncommon topic! My S has been admitted to several schools including Michigan, MSU, Wash U in StL, and Wake Forest. He has received merit money at all schools applied. Wash U and Wake ended up being way too expensive. He has narrowed his choices to UM or MSU. His school of choice as far as I can remember has always been Michigan. His bedroom walls are painted maize and blue. We are in-state.
He really enjoyed his visit to MSU and has said that he wouldn’t mind going to school there.
Although we do not qualify for any federal aid programs our money is still tight. He knows cost is an issue as well, we have been up front with him throughout the college search process.
The question is this: Is Michigan worth 5k more per year and if so why? If he chose Michigan he may have anywhere from 10-15k debt after graduation.
My S has been offered a place in the honors college at both schools. He says that if goes to Michigan he is not going to do honors but at MSU he will. I’m not sure why this is but it’s his decision. At MSU he has also been offered a professorial assistantship. He is not quite sure what he wants to do for a career as he has many interests.
My wife and I are willing to help out as much as we can for whichever one he chooses. Our S is very easy going and is confused because of the difference in cost. He’s having difficulty making up his mind.
Any help would would be appreciated.
Our daughter had a similar tough choice and found sitting in on classes and an overnight in the honors dorm helped her decide on best fit for her which doesn’t negate the money and other factors, but it might help. Good luck! 
What are his likely majors?
Don’t know if you and your son visited career placement centers at both the universities and investigated their intern placement statistics for his intended major(s). Internships play a significant role in the quality & number of job offers after graduation. Look beyond marketing brochures.
Also your son should attend a few freshmen classes at both the places to get a flavor of the educational environment, and where he feels more comfortable.
Professorial Assistantships is a great way to get choice research experience at MSU. He should comparethe choices of research opportunities at U of M. UROP at U of M can be very competitive for hot fields.
Also, as mentioned above, spending an overnight at dorms will help solidify the decision.
If he is aiming for medical school, seek and compare admissions statistics, pre-med counseling and hospital shadowing.
Some academic departments offer their own scholarships in junior/senior year, and worth investigating. Keep in mind the tuition/credit hr for junior/senior level classes is higher than the lower level classes.
Good luck.
Good response ^.
OP, I replied in the thread you posted on the UM forum.
5K more a year for his dream school? In a word, yes.
And, I am far from a UM fan, but if this has been his dream, then that is not very much.
Where are you coming up with a 5 grand difference? I had kids at both schools until this past May and the difference in tuition was under a thousand.
Oh, must be MSU is offering more merit money.
What is his major?
Are you instate?
Per StudentsReview, 77% of Michigan State students would choose to return. http://www.studentsreview.com/MI/MSU.html This is the highest rate in the Big Ten. Michigan’s rate is 74%, still pretty good. By contrast, Nebraska comes in at 50%, Minnesota at 52%, and Iowa at 60%.
(Well, they blank out the other college review site.)