The Office of Financial aid is required to develop a cost of attendance ("budget") each year for students who file for federal financial aid. The budget is an estimate of allowable expenses (tuition, fees, books & supplies, transportation and living allowance) for the approximate 9-month academic year that students are enrolled (excluding summer). Figures within the budget are based on the average amount needed to meet direct charges such as tuition and indirect charges such as living expenses. In addition, the Student Budget represents the maximum amount of financial assistance that a student may be awarded for the academic year (the total of grants, scholarships, and loans).
Tuition is charged at a flat rate for students enrolled for 10-17 law credits, and on a per credit rate basis for students under 10 credits. Dual-degree students will have a blended charge of College of Law and Graduate School tuition rates.
Increases to the budget are considered on a case-by-case basis. Law students that have additional expenses (for example, medical costs, day care costs, or other educational costs not already covered in the base budget) may request an increase by requesting and submitting a Cost of Attendance (COA) Increase form (PDF). If COA form is approved, the student will be offered additional loan assistance.
Cost of Attendance forms may be requested by emailing ofalaw@msu.edu. Be sure to include supporting documents (e.g., receipt[s] or invoices). The Office of Financial Aid typically evaluates appeals within 7-10 business days of their submission.
NOTE: Since Cost of Attendance form will increase borrowing, it is important that law students who file an appeal are aware of their overall indebtedness and the impact of repayment.
| Tuition In-State | $41,040 | Tuition Out-State | $45,600 |
| Fees | $76 | Fees | $76 |
| Average Stafford Fees | $436 | Average Stafford Fees | $436 |
| Books | $2,828 | Books | $2,828 |
| Room and Board | $13,438 | Room and Board | $13,438 |
| Transportation/ Personal/Misc. | $3,706 | Transportation/ Personal/Misc. | $3,706 |
| Medical | N/A** | Medical | N/A** |
| TOTAL | $61,524 | TOTAL | $66,084 |
1L students should add $200 for the RWA Lab fee (total budget would be $61,724/$66,284).
3L students should add $625 for an average bar exam fee (total budget would be $62,149/$66,284).
** The cost of health insurance is not included in the budget as many students can still be covered through their parents' insurance. If you will be using the MSU student health insurance plan, or have coverage of another kind, then please contact the financial aid office at ofalaw@msu.edu or 517-432-6810. For more information about the Student Health Insurance Plan from MSU please visit http://www.hr.msu.edu/benefits/studenthealth/