Michigan State University Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2023)

Michigan State University is a four-year public university located in East Lansing, Michigan. The university offers certificates, as well as degrees ranging from bachelors to doctorates. Here’s the information you need to know about MSU—from admission requirements to the Michigan State acceptance rate, and from MSU tuition to financial aid stats, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

Michigan State University is a top-ranking research institution with a diverse student body and a strong athletics program.With more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and over 130 countries, MSU offers more than 200 programs of study.

Tuition and fees for 2022-23 were as follows for first-time, full-time undergraduates:

•  In-state: $15,372, 4.2% more than the previous year

•  Out-of-state: $41,958, 3.4% more than the previous year

•  Books and supplies: $1,254, 7.4% more than the previous year

Room and board costs were:

•  On-campus: $10,990, 2.9% more than the previous year

•  Other expenses: $3,374, 7.5% more than the previous year

Total expenses were $30,990 for in-state students, which is 4.2% more than the previous year, and $57,576 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid

In 2020-21, 72% of first-time, full-time undergraduates received some kind of financial aid, and the university is generous with institutional funding. These are the types of financial aid students received:

•  Grants or scholarships: 58% received them with an average award of $12,822

•  Federal grants: 34% received them with an average award of $4,608

•  Pell grants: 22% received them with an average award of $5,322

•  Other federal grants: 34% received them with an average award of $1,212

•  State or local: 8% received them with an average award of $1,164

•  Institutional: 54% received them with an average award of $10.656

•  Student loan aid: 36% received them with an average award of $7,721

•  Federal student loans: 34% received them with an average award of $4,999

•  Other student loans: 6% received them with an average award of $18,093

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal needs and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

Recommended: Scholarship Search – College Scholarships Finder Tool

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2020-21, 6% of incoming students at MSU received private student loans.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The 2022-23 Michigan State University cost for tuition was:

•  In-state: Four years at MSU (based on 2022-23 total costs) is $123,960 total, not accounting for any Michigan State tuition increases.

•  Out-of-state: Four years at MSU (based on 2022-23 total costs) equals $230,304, not accounting for any increases.

Here’s some Michigan Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for 2022-23 were as follows for first-time, full-time undergraduates:

•  In-state: $15,372

•  Out-of-state: $41,958

•  Books and supplies: $1,254

Total expenses were $30,990. The same year, the average total expenses for a public, four-year university were $27,940, making Michigan State 9.8% higher.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Michigan State tuition for 2022-23 was as follows:

•  In-state: $20,202 with $180 in fees

•  Out-of-state: $39,696 with $180 in fees

The average cost for graduate school is $23,130 each year. The 2022-23 Michigan State tuition and fees for in-state students of $20,382 was 13.5% less.

Cost per Credit Hour

For the fall 2022 semester, the cost per credit hour was $506.50 for 1-11 credits. For 12-18 credits, the cost was a flat-rate fee of $7,596.00.

Campus Housing Expenses

Room and board costs in 2022-23 were:

•  On campus: $10,990

•  Other expenses: $3,374

MSU offers information about on-campus housing with students wishing to live in a one-bedroom or studio apartment with a full bathroom and a kitchen having options in a number of residence halls. Off campus apartments are also available near the campus, ranging from one to four bedrooms. In May 2023, the average 942-square-foot apartment was rented for $1,469. For housing not associated with the university, leases may be for a full year rather than the academic year.

Off-campus housing usually involves a waitlist, and prices start at $879 for a room in a four-bedroom/four-bathroom apartment.

Michigan State University Acceptance Rate

In fall 2022, 53,341 students applied to the university and there was an 88% MSU acceptance rate.

Admission Requirements

Besides the application, admission requirements include

•  High school transcripts

•  Essay

Optional requirements:

•  Listing your major

•  Letters of recommendations

•  SAT/ACT test scores

Application due dates are:

•  Early action, non-binding: November 1

•  Regular: February 1 of the academic year

SAT and ACT Scores

Michigan State University is test-optional, meaning that students are not required to submit SAT and ACT tests. If you choose to submit them, send them with your application. In fall 2022, 51% of applicants submitted SAT scores while 14% submitted ACT scores. These were the 25th and 75th percentiles:

Popular Majors at Michigan State

In 2021-22, 8,878 bachelor’s degrees were awarded by MSU in more than two dozen areas of studies. Popular majors include the following:

1. Advertising

MSU’s advertising program is consistently ranked as one of the three best in the nation. Undergraduates learn how to develop strategic thinking, researching, analytical skills, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 534

2. Biology

In this program, students gain strong competencies in core biological disciplines, including anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and physiology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 498

3. Psychology

Students study human behaviors and the mental processes underlying them in this diverse discipline. Students may develop interests in neuroscience, behavioral science, and more from this foundational degree.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 399

4. Finance

Finance majors study financial concepts and instruments to learn crucial decision-making skills for future employment in financial institutions, corporations, and more. Classes focus on ethics and a global approach.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 361

5. Supply Chain Management

Students in this program study to become supply chain leaders, and learn to nimbly adapt to changes as they source and deliver products and services. They also discover how to use innovative technologies to effectively manage supply chains.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 352

6. Exercise Science & Kinesiology

Those who choose this major focus on physical activity and movement and how it impacts someone’s health and quality of life. Classes range from sports business management to athletic training, community education, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 311

7. Computer Science

From computer science theory to new technologies and approaches, students learn computing principles, software development, communication skills, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 290

8. Mechanical Engineering

About 26% of all MSU engineering students choose this specialty, and they can benefit by participating in leading edge research alongside professors involved in pioneering work.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 277

9. Economics

Students receive education in domestic and international economies, learning about concepts, policies, analyses, and more. This degree prepares students for a broad range of business careers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 212

10. Mass Communication

This program prepares undergraduates for a wide range of workplaces (profit, nonprofit, startups, and more) with a focus on persuasive leadership. This goal: to influence society in a positive way.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 198

Graduation Rate

MSU graduation rate for the fall 2016 cohort was:

•  6 years: 82%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Median salary for the university’s graduates is $64,566 compared to the average of $55,260 for four-year public universities. This makes MSU graduate earnings 17% higher.