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 2025-2026 academic year, or what is often referred to as the Cost Of Attendance. These budgets are based on 12-18 credits/semester for undergraduate students and 9 credits/semester for graduate students.
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 for resident students, go here.
For a detailed breakdown of tuition, taxes and fees for non-resident students, go here.
Please note that there is no allowance in the undergraduate budget for car expenses.
2025-26 Sample Freshman Budget
Michigan Student
Out-of-State Student
Tuition & Fees
Tuition
$16,602
$43,986
Fees & Taxes
$458
$458
Estimated Living & Other Expenses
Food & Housing
$12,928
$12,928
Books & Supplies
$1,420
$1,420
Personal & Misc.
$3,930
$3,930
Travel
$1,310
$2,620
Total Cost of Attendance
$36,648
$65,342
*Tuition and fees for 25-26 are an estimate until the Board of Trustees votes to approve the upcoming year's budget. These numbers may be adjusted slightly after the Board meets at the end of June.
2025-26 Sample Graduate Budget
Michigan Student
Out-of-State Student
Tuition & Fees
Tuition
$16,560
$31,616
Fees & Taxes
$388
$388
Estimated Living & Other Expenses
Food & Housing
$18,750
$18,750
Books & Supplies
$1,998
$1,998
Personal & Misc.
$3,930
$3,930
Travel
$1,310
$2,620
Total Cost of Attendance
$42,936
$59, 302
*Tuition and fees for 25-26 are an estimate until the Board of Trustees votes to approve the upcoming year's budget. These numbers may be adjusted slightly after the Board meets at the end of June.
Michigan State University is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its student financial aid offer.
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.
