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Do Your Research

There's a lot to keep in mind as you financially prepare for college. We can help you make sense of it all.

Federal financial aid begins with the FAFSA

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 October 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.

Estimate Your Costs

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
Under Construction. Updated calculator will be available soon.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator
The EFC is the amount calculated when you apply for aid using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and is used to determine your eligibility for many types of financial aid. This calculator from the College Board provides an early estimate of your EFC before you actually file your FAFSA.

The sample budgets below represent average costs for the 2023-2024 academic year, or what is often referred to as the Cost Of Attendance. These budgets are based on 15 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 (room and board) 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, go here.

Please note that there is no allowance in the undergraduate budget for car expenses.

2023-2024 Sample Freshman Budget

Michigan Student Out-of-State Student
Tuition $15,648 $43,032
Fees & Taxes $403 $403
Food & Housing $11,754 $11,754
Books & Supplies $1,334 $1,334
Personal & Misc. $3,592 $4,518
Total Budget $32,731 $61,041

 

2023-2024 Sample Graduate Budget

Michigan Student Out-of-State Student
Tuition $15,152 $29,772
Fees & Taxes $383 $383
Food & Housing $14,652 $14,652
Books & Supplies $1,876 $1,876
Personal & Misc. $3,592 $4,518
Total Budget $35,655 $51,201

 

 

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
Under Construction. Updated calculator will be available soon.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator
The EFC is the amount calculated when you apply for aid using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and is used to determine your eligibility for many types of financial aid. This calculator from the College Board provides an early estimate of your EFC before you actually file your FAFSA.

The sample budgets below represent average costs for the 2023-2024 academic year, or what is often referred to as the Cost Of Attendance. These budgets are based on 15 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 (room and board) 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, go here.

Please note that there is no allowance in the undergraduate budget for car expenses.

2023-2024 Sample Freshman Budget

Michigan Student Out-of-State Student
Tuition $15,648 $43,032
Fees & Taxes $403 $403
Food & Housing $11,754 $11,754
Books & Supplies $1,334 $1,334
Personal & Misc. $3,592 $4,518
Total Budget $32,731 $61,041

 

2023-2024 Sample Graduate Budget

Michigan Student Out-of-State Student
Tuition $15,152 $29,772
Fees & Taxes $383 $383
Food & Housing $14,652 $14,652
Books & Supplies $1,876 $1,876
Personal & Misc. $3,592 $4,518
Total Budget $35,655 $51,201

 

 

Search for Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES

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.

Searching for Scholarships

Search for Loans

Other Types of Aid

Manage Your Aid

MANAGE YOUR AID

Billing & Payments

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. The Office of Financial Aid does not handle billing and payments, but we can answer questions related to the aid you see displayed in the student account section of your student portal.

Visit SIS