MSU Tuition & Cost of Attendance | Mississippi State University

Yearly Tuition
for Fall & Spring Semesters

*The cost of attendance for international students can be found here!

Cost of Attendance Breakdown by Credit hour

*The on-campus housing cost is $9,990, and the meal cost is $5,210, which represent approximate costs. Visit dining.msstate.edu for more information about meal plan requirements and options.

Tuition and Fees listed are for the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change without notice by the Board of Trustees-Mississippi Institutions for Higher Learning. Amounts listed are the direct costs for MSU and are all required for each entering freshman.

*The application fee is non-refundable.

Revised as of May 19, 2026.

What's Included in the Cost of Attendance? The cost of attendance figures above reflect direct costs associated with attending MSU full-time on the Starkville campus for the fall and spring semesters. Here's what each line item covers: 

• Tuition & Fees — The cost of enrolling in 12-16 credit hours per semester, including all required university fees 

• Housing (Median Value) — Based on the median cost of on-campus, double-occupancy residence hall housing 

• Meal Plan — Based on the Weekly 21 Meal Plan; other plan options are available at varying price points 

Indirect costs such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are not reflected above but are part of your full financial aid package calculation. Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for a complete cost of attendance breakdown used for financial aid purposes. 

Helpful Links

Cost of Attendance Tuition Breakdown by Credit Hour Dining Plans and Options Find Scholarships Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is tuition at Mississippi State University? 

For the 2026-2027 academic year, in-state tuition and fees at Mississippi State University are $11,095 per year. Out-of-state tuition and fees are $30,086 per year. When combined with on-campus housing and a meal plan, the total cost of attendance is approximately $26,295 for in-state students and $45,286 for out-of-state students. These figures are subject to change and are set annually by the Board of Trustees of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. 

What is the cost of attendance at Mississippi State for out-of-state students? 

The total cost of attendance for out-of-state students at Mississippi State University for the 2026-2027 academic year is approximately $45,286, which includes tuition and fees, on-campus housing, and a meal plan. MSU offers significant non-resident tuition scholarships that can substantially reduce this cost for eligible students. 

Does Mississippi State University charge per credit hour or per semester? 

MSU charges a flat tuition rate for students enrolled in 12-16 credit hours per semester. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 hours are charged per credit hour. Students enrolled in more than 16 credit hours will be charged overload tuition per credit hour. A full breakdown of tuition by credit hour is available through the Office of the Controller and Treasurer. 

Are there additional fees beyond tuition at Mississippi State? 

Yes. The tuition figure at MSU includes required university fees. Additional indirect costs such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are not included in the published tuition figures but are factored into financial aid package calculations. Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for a complete cost of attendance breakdown. 

Is Mississippi State University affordable for out-of-state students? 

Yes. MSU is consistently recognized as one of the more affordable SEC universities for out-of-state students, particularly when scholarships are factored in. Out-of-state students with strong academic records are eligible for automatic non-resident tuition scholarships that can significantly reduce the gap between in-state and out-of-state rates. Many out-of-state Bulldogs find that their scholarship package makes MSU competitive with — or even less expensive than — public universities in their home state. 

What does Mississippi State University offer to out-of-state military-connected students?

100% of the non-resident portion of tuition is waived for veterans, active duty service members, and their dependents, currently valued at $18,132. Eligible students receive a full waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance. This benefit allows military-affiliated students and their families to access a high-quality education at a more affordable, in-state rate. It’s one of the many ways we support those who have served and continue to serve.