If you require financial assistance, your first step is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online as soon as possible after Oct. 1 of the year before you plan to enroll. FAFSA evaluates eligibility for need-based aid, including federal loans, and gives students access to need-based grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. The FAFSA website will help you determine whether you are a dependent or independent student, and other important criteria for aid.
The sample budgets below represent average costs for the 2026-27 academic year, or what is often referred to as the Cost Of Attendance (COA). These budgets are based on 12-18 credits/semester for undergraduate students and 9 credits/semester for graduate students. If you are enrolled less than full time, your COA may be prorated to reflect actual charges.
Food and housing costs in the budget include a double room, linen service, Silver meal plan and use of study, laundry and recreational facilities. Students are allotted the same amount for living costs (food and housing) whether they live on- or off-campus.
Personal and miscellaneous costs include average amounts for clothing, transportation, personal care, cell phone, recreation, etc.
For a detailed breakdown of tuition, taxes and fees by residency, visit the Office of the Controller.
Please note that there is no allowance in the undergraduate budget for car expenses.
If a student is enrolled less than half time, MSU must remove allowances for Food & Housing and Personal & Misc. expenses from the COA, limiting the amount of financial aid available to the student.
2026-27 Sample Freshman Budget
Michigan Student
Out-of-State Student
Tuition & Fees
Tuition
$17,656
$45,040
Fees & Taxes
$466
$466
Estimated Living & Other Expenses
Food & Housing
$13,574
$13,574
Books & Supplies
$1,420
$1,420
Personal & Misc.
$3,930
$3,930
Travel
$1,300
$2,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$38,346
$67,030
2026-27 Sample Graduate Budget
Michigan Student
Out-of-State Student
Tuition & Fees
Tuition
$17,610
$32,668
Fees & Taxes
$388
$388
Estimated Living & Other Expenses
Food & Housing
$19,688
$19,688
Books & Supplies
$1,998
$1,998
Personal & Misc.
$3,930
$3,930
Travel
$1,300
$2,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$44,914
$61,272
Michigan State University is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its student financial aid offer.
MSU Cost Calculator Provides an estimate of the semester costs for your selected housing arrangement, meal plan option and intended academic program.
Net Price Calculator Provides an estimate of the amount that students will have to pay in their first year at MSU after subtracting any grants and scholarships for which they may be eligible.
Federal Student Aid Estimator For the 2024-25 aid year, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is using a new formula to determine federal aid, the Student Aid Index. Your SAI is calculated when you apply for aid using the FAFSA, and is used to determine your eligibility for many types of financial aid. This calculator from Federal Student Aid provides an estimate of your SAI and how much federal aid you may be eligible to receive.
Search for Scholarships
Begin Your Scholarship Search Today
There are many sources of gift aid out there, if you're willing to put in some time and effort. Search the MSU Scholarships database here or head to our main scholarships page for information on searching for aid in your community and beyond.
While we advise students and families to be careful of accruing too much debt, there are loan resources available if funding obligations cannot be met through scholarships, grants and family contributions.
Work study, assistantships, veteran's benefits, education saving plans and tax credits are opportunities some students can take use to offset the cost of attendance.
Once you've been accepted and enrolled, you'll be able to see your student account using the Student Information System (SIS), where you can make payments and manage any aid. Contact the Spartan One-Stop for answers to your billing and payment questions.
