Most MSU students don’t pay full sticker price. Scholarships, grants, and one-on-one support can make a big difference. And with 93% of recent grads working or in grad school, your money actually gets you somewhere.
How much does MSU cost?
The total below reflects the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) which includes both direct costs (tuition, fees, food and housing) and indirect costs (books, personal, and travel). The actual cost to you may be much lower after aid is applied. See average cost after aid.
In-state
Estimated 2026-27 undergraduate cost
Tuition and fees
Tuition: $17,656
Fees and taxes: $466
Estimated living and other expenses
Food and housing: $13,574
Books and supplies: $1,420
Personal/misc.: $3,930
Travel: $1,300
Total (est.): $38,346*
The costs above for tuition, fees and taxes and food and housing reflect the current rates for the 2026-27 academic year. Every July, MSU finalizes these costs for the following academic year.
The other expenses — books and supplies, personal/misc., and travel — are estimates that reflect the costs for the average MSU student; however, differences in individual needs and preferences can significantly affect these costs.
*Estimate for two semesters includes:
Out-of-state
Estimated 2026-27 undergraduate cost
Tuition and fees
Tuition: $45,040
Fees and taxes: $466
Estimated living and other expenses
Food and housing: $13,574
Books and supplies: $1,420
Personal/misc.: $3,930
Travel: $2,600
Total (est.): $67,030*
The costs above for tuition, fees and taxes and food and housing reflect the current rates for the 2026-27 academic year. Every July, MSU finalizes these costs for the following academic year.
The other expenses — books and supplies, personal/misc., and travel — are estimates that reflect the costs for the average MSU student; however, differences in individual needs and preferences can significantly affect these costs.
*Estimate for two semesters includes:
International
Estimated 2026-27 undergraduate cost
Tuition and fees
Tuition: $45,040
Fees and taxes: $1,966
Estimated living and other expenses
Food and housing: $14,146
Books and supplies: $1,420
Personal/misc.: $3,930
Medical: $3,998
Travel: $2,600
Total (est.): $73,100*
The costs above for tuition, fees and taxes and food and housing reflect the current rates for the 2026-27 academic year. They also represent expenses included in the undergraduate financial proof requirements (which MSU needs to issue an I-20). The cost for food and housing includes the three weeks between fall and spring semesters. Every July, MSU finalizes these costs for the following academic year.
The other expenses — books and supplies, personal/misc., and medical — are estimates that reflect the costs for the average MSU student; however, differences in individual needs and preferences can significantly affect these costs.
*Estimate for two semesters includes:
What will my actual cost be?
Average in-state tuition, food and housing cost after aid: $24,034*
In 2025-26, 71% of in-state first-year students at MSU received grants, scholarships or other aid they don't have to pay back, resulting in an average of $8,268 in aid per student.
Average out-of-state tuition, food and housing cost after aid: $43,835*
In 2025-26, 92% of out-of-state first-year students at MSU received grants, scholarships or other aid they don't have to pay back, resulting in an average of $15,245 in aid per student.
Average international tuition, food and housing cost after aid: $41,224*
In 2025-26, 76% of international first-year students at MSU received grants, scholarships or other aid they don't have to pay back, resulting in an average of $19,348 in aid per student.
* Average cost after aid is the direct cost (tuition, fees, food and housing) minus the average gift aid (grants, scholarships or aid that don’t have to be repaid). It's based on 2026–27 direct costs and the average gift aid awarded to first-year students in 2025–26, including students who received no aid. Costs can vary greatly by student, so your actual cost might be higher or lower depending on your situation. This average is meant to give you a sense of what students like you often pay. For the most accurate estimate, use our cost calculators.
How to reduce your cost
Financial aid
Learn about applying for FAFSA and loans. You'll also discover other options for financial assistance.
Scholarships
Admitted students are automatically considered for many scholarships. Find out how to search and apply for other scholarships, too!
Student employment
With great resources and thousands of student employee positions on campus, it's easy to earn money and build up your resume.
This calculator provides an estimate of the semester costs for tuition and fees associated with your level and intended academic program.
If you're not ready to fill out the FAFSA, this quick quiz from the College Board can give you a rough estimate of your financial aid eligibility and suggest personalized next steps. It’s a simple way to start understanding your options before you apply.
The office of Federal Student Aid offers this loan simulator to estimate your potential loan debt and to identify the best repayment strategy for you.
74%
of undergraduate students received some amount of aid that didn’t have to be repaid (2025-26)
18%
of first-year students paid $0 in tuition after aid (2025-26)
52%
of undergraduate students graduated with zero loan debt (2025-26)
Investing in your future
With a 93% placement rate for recent graduates, top employers conducting more than 15,000 interviews and top ranking programs to help you compete in the market, an MSU degree is world-recognized and highly regarded across industries.
Recent interviews and top employers
| Boeing | IBM | Target |
| Campbell-Ewald Advertising | Morgan Stanley | Textron |
| Fiat Chrysler | PepsiCo | Teach for America |
| Ford Motor Company | Peace Corps | State of Michigan |
| General Electric | Pfizer | Sparrow Health Systems |
| General Motors | Spectrum Health | Quicken Loans |
93%
Placement rate for recent graduates
560,000+
alumni worldwide, with representation in all 50 US states
314,800
alums living in Michigan
Career outcomes
See the latest data from recent graduates on MSU's destination survey, including options to sort by college.
MSU Career Services
MSU's Career Services Network aids students with career advising, major selection, internships and finding full-time work upon graduation.
What's included
Undergraduate students taking 12-18 credit hours will be charged a flat tuition rate. Tuition is charged on a per credit hour basis for undergraduate students taking fewer than 12 credit hours. If a student has more than 18 credits, the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit hour over 18 applies.
Detailed breakdown of tuition and fees
A double room is a residence hall room that accommodates two students. The size and layout of the room may vary depending on the residence hall. The residence hall rates include a fully furnished room, in-room Wi-Fi, cable access and utilities. First-year students will not have a single room (i.e. no roommate) unless granted an exception by the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.
For more information about housing rates, visit the Live On website.
The Silver dining plan includes:
- Unlimited access to all-you-care-to-eat locations
- 12 Combo-X-Changes (meal on the go option) per week, Sunday through Saturday.
- Spartan Cash is not included but can be added.
- Guest meal passes are not included; however, guests can pay the public rate at the door.
Students living on campus are given three different dining plan options to choose from when signing their housing contract. To learn about all the dining options available to first-year students, visit eatatstate.com.
Access to MSU's recreational facilities is included in the cost of tuition, giving students opportunities to stay active, connect with others, and support their overall well-being. The brand new Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers multiple fitness spaces totaling 30,000 square feet, six basketball courts, six volleyball courts, an indoor pool, an all-purpose turf arena, and dedicated spaces for rock climbing and bouldering.
Students can also explore a variety of recreational facilities across campus, offering additional opportunities for fitness, swimming, sports, group exercise, and other activities
Learn more about recreation and wellness services at MSU.
Go deeper