The Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved budget guidelines for the 2021-22 fiscal year that will continue to invest in the student experience and enhance programs and opportunities that help students successfully graduate.                                                                                          

Through a combination of financial aid sources and the distribution of emergency grants included in federal COVID-19 legislation, most families with an annual income of less than $100,000 will not be impacted by the change in cost to attend MSU for the 2021-22 academic year.

“The value of an MSU degree is lifechanging 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,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.

“We recognize the need to continue enhancing the student experience and supporting an excellent faculty and learning environment, while remaining affordable,” said Dianne Byrum, chair of the MSU Board of Trustees. “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.”

After nearly four years without an increase, full-rate tuition for in-state, first-year students will increase by 2%, which is an additional $290 a year. The budget guidelines also include a 2% increase for nonresident and international students as well as a 4% increase for resident and nonresident graduate students.

In addition, housing and dining rates will increase for the first time in two years, by 1.95%, which equates to $0.91 per day/$204 for the year. MSU also will implement a $260 student recreational fee, phased in over three years beginning in the 2021-22 academic year.

Even with the increase, the university will have the second lowest housing and dining rate in the Big Ten and fifth lowest among Michigan public universities. Previously, MSU was the only Big Ten and major state public university without a student recreational fee.

“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,” Stanley added.

In addition to approving the budget, the trustees heard a presentation from Stacey A. Missmer, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive health in the College of Human Medicine. Her current research study, Women’s Outcomes Research and Knowledge, or WORK, is focused on diagnosing and treating pelvic pain in women and girls.

Other board activity included:

• Approval of Doug Gage as vice president for research and innovation and approval of Cameron G. Thies as dean of James Madison College.
• Recognition of Vice President for Finance Mark Haas, who is retiring from MSU.
• Approval of updates to the Faculty Grievance Policy.

The next board meeting will be on September 10.