Michigan State University tuition increases will be offset for most families earning less than $100,000 annually

Tuition, housing, and dining rates will all increase for the upcoming academic year at Michigan State University. The increases were announced in a June 18 news release which stated that the tuition hike is the first in almost four years at MSU. Along with the news of the increased costs, the university also stated that most families earning under $100,000 per year would not be affected by the increases, as federal funds from COVID-19 legislation have been set aside to offset those increased costs. 

The tuition increases apply to first-year, in-state students, who will see a two percent increase, amounting to $290 per year. Nonresident and international undergraduate students will also see a two percent increase, while all graduate degree students will see a four percent tuition increase. Housing and dining rates will also increase by 1.95 percent and all students will incur a $260 recreational fee to be phased in over the next three years. The news release emphasizes that even with the changes, Michigan State University offers the second-lowest housing and dining rates of any university in the Big Ten.

MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. commented on the increases to housing and dining in terms of student experiences, saying, "Students living and learning at MSU depend on a safe and welcoming place to live, making residence halls, dining facilities, exercise facilities and spaces that host social and academic activities as important to students as our classrooms and laboratories."

Chair of the MSU Board of Trustees, Dianne Byrum, acknowledged that keeping higher education affordable was important, but stressed the need for MSU to continue to grow and improve. "We recognize the need to continue enhancing the student experience and supporting an excellent faculty and learning environment, while remaining affordable," Byrum said, adding, "A modest tuition increase is needed to maintain and grow investments in student support programs but will ultimately result in increased persistence and graduation rates."

Dr. Stanley explained the decision making process of the board of trustees, "The value of an MSU degree is life changing and it is supported by the strength and reputation of our programs — programs that need continued funding. Still, the trustees and I are very sensitive to the financial stresses students and families have experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, we approached these budget decisions very thoughtfully and discussed many implications and scenarios."