Michigan State University's published cost of attendance is $30,528 per year, including $15,988 in in-state tuition, $11,754 for room and board, and $1,334 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $43,372, significantly increasing total costs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,528 |
| Tuition and Fees | $43,372 |
| Room and Board | $11,754 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,334 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,777 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,751 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,119 |
| $30–48k | $13,980 |
| $48–75k | $20,378 |
| $75–110k | $25,940 |
| $110k+ | $28,327 |
Michigan State University's published cost of attendance is $30,528 per year, including $15,988 in in-state tuition, $11,754 for room and board, and $1,334 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $43,372, significantly increasing total costs. However, the average student pays $20,751 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,777 from the sticker price.
This net price exceeds the peer median of $15,590 by $5,161, indicating higher costs relative to similar public research universities. The university's financial aid reduces costs meaningfully but not as extensively as peer institutions, making affordability a relative weakness in MSU's profile. Net prices vary substantially by family income, from $8,119 for families earning under $30,000 to $28,327 for families earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt outcomes at Michigan State University reflect typical borrowing patterns for public research universities. Median debt of $23,250 ranks at the 45th percentile nationally, indicating around the national average debt levels.
Debt ranges from $10,750 at the 25th percentile to $30,750 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing needs across the student body. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 indicates manageable repayment conditions, with monthly loan payments representing reasonable portions of graduate income.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $33,521 with monthly payments of $441, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans. Compared to the peer median debt of $20,000, MSU graduates carry $3,250 more in student loans, reflecting the institution's higher net costs.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Michigan State University represents a solid educational investment despite higher costs relative to peers. Graduates earn $67,253 at the median, ranking at the 83rd percentile nationally and exceeding peer median earnings by $6,710 annually.
This earnings premium helps offset higher borrowing, with the 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio indicating manageable repayment timelines. However, graduates earn $5,113 below expectations relative to student demographics, ranking at the 33rd percentile for earnings beyond expectations.
The university's strong return index percentile of 81.6% reflects well above average return on investment despite affordability challenges. Students benefit from Michigan State's comprehensive research university resources, extensive alumni networks, and diverse program portfolio.
Michigan State University's financial aid profile reflects its commitment to serving diverse student populations, with 20.0% Pell-eligible enrollment indicating meaningful support for lower-income students. The $9,777 gap between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates substantial institutional aid distribution.
However, the net price of $20,751 exceeds the peer median by $5,161, suggesting less generous aid policies compared to similar institutions. Financial aid concentrates toward lower-income brackets, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,119 compared to $28,327 for highest earners.
This progressive aid structure aligns with the university's 20% Pell share, indicating coordinated efforts to support economic diversity while managing institutional financial sustainability.
