Estimating Costs

Tuition and fees are based on full-time enrollment, defined as 12-18 credit hours per term for undergraduate students. Those electing fewer than 12 credit hours are charged on a per-credit-hour basis. Those electing more than 18 hours must pay for additional credits. For financial aid eligibility, full-time for graduate students is defined as 8 credit hours per term (however, for tuition rate purposes, full-time for graduate students is defined as 9 credit hours per term). The undergraduate and graduate rates for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts are shown below on this page; tuition and fees may be higher or lower, depending on a student's program of study. Current full- and part-time tuition and fees for all U-M Schools and Colleges are available from the Office of the Registrar.

For residency questions, contact the Office of the Registrar. Visit Student Financial Services for information about your U-M account, eBill, installment payment plans, and payment dates. Students with chronic health issues that require hospitalization may consider the university's tuition insurance plan. Visit the Tuition Refund Plan page at the U-M Health Service website.

• Living on campus? The University Housing website provides detailed schedules of housing options, rates and meal plans. All residence hall room contracts require a meal plan for both fall and winter semesters. For budgets, we use the standard double-occupancy rate and Standard Meal Plan rate to determine eligibility (you would pay more for a single room and less for an economy triple and your rate will vary based on the selected meal plan).
• Living off campus? The financial aid budget allows for off-campus rent, utility, and food costs up to the estimated cost for a standard double-occupancy room in a campus residence hall. Your costs will depend on housing arrangements and lifestyle, so carefully evaluate your options. If you live off-campus, you pay your rent directly to a landlord instead of having housing costs deducted from your student account. Plan accordingly, since you will have four months’ rent to pay for the semester. If you live off-campus, you may save money by having roommates.
• Commuting from home? Students who commute will reduce room and board costs significantly. The allowance for commuting students is $5,664 for the academic year to acknowledge ongoing family household expenses (food, utilities, etc.) and transportation costs.

Costs vary by program, course load, and selected classes. Costs for students in the School of Art and Design, Architecture and Urban Planning, Dental Hygiene, and Business Administration are typically higher than estimates listed on this page. Contact our office for exact figures.

Reduce your costs by comparing prices, buying used books, renting books, or using the university's library and reserve book system.

This category includes other student expenses such as transportation, meals not covered under the standard meal contract, cell phone bills, clothes, personal hygiene, student insurance, and entertainment. This is the most variable part of a student's budget. The financial aid budget allows about $80 per week. Set an allowance, track expenses, and stick to your budget.