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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Michigan for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Michigan that averages $45,690 a year in 2025-26, compared with $16,700 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Michigan average) | $45,690 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Michigan
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $27,418 | $31,798 | $40,517 |
| Public university | $63,108 | $67,488 | $76,207 |
| Private university | $62,418 | $66,798 | $75,517 |
Living costs in Michigan
Across Michigan's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $1,350 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $675 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $933 a month; prices in Michigan are 3.8% below the US average.
In total, expect about $1,608 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit area | $1,514 | $757 | $1,730 |
| Ann Arbor | $1,917 | $959 | $1,937 |
Michigan vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $32,520 | $1,498 | $52,992 |
| Wisconsin | $32,050 | $1,562 | $53,297 |
| Indiana | $33,150 | $1,486 | $53,476 |
| Michigan ★ | $45,690 | $1,608 | $67,488 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Michigan?
About $67,488 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $45,690, living about $19,298, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $66,798 and a community college about $31,798. That makes Michigan the 4th most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
Which Michigan city is cheapest for students?
Of the major university cities we track, Detroit area has the lowest typical rent ($1,514 a month for a whole home) and Ann Arbor the highest ($1,917). Smaller college towns are often cheaper still.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
