Cost of attendance
The cost of attendance is not a bill. Rather it is an estimate of tuition, fees, books and supplies, living expenses, transportation costs and modest personal expenses. Your actual costs will depend upon your choices of housing and other expenses. We encourage you to develop a personal budget for the year based on your own actual costs.
2024-25 estimated costs for students in the JD program
The tuition and fee estimates are based on the average credit hours for types of students. Before the beginning of the semester, the estimated amount of your tuition and fees will be replaced with the actual amount for the determination of aid eligibility. Your estimated costs used to determine your eligibility for financial aid can be found in the Financial Aid Portal in Academica.
| JD student Fall/Winter estimated costs | Living with parent | Living away from home |
|---|---|---|
| Books, supplies, materials & equipment | $2,468 | $2,468 |
| Estimated loan fee | $200 | $200 |
| Housing & food estimate | $5,242 | $15,270 |
| Personal & miscellaneous | $2,214 | $3,008 |
| Transportation | $3,676 | $3,676 |
| Bar exam in final year | $776 | $776 |
| Tuition & fees, 14 credit ESTIMATE - Michigan resident | $36,709 | $36,709 |
| Tuition & fees, 15 credit ESTIMATE - Non-resident | $42,836 | $42,836 |
| Total ESTIMATED costs - Michigan resident | $51,285 | $62,107 |
| Total ESTIMATED costs - Non-resident | $57,412 | $68,234 |
Budget components
Tuition and fees - An estimate is used to determine your initial aid eligibility. Generally, after August 1 each year actual tuition and fees are published. Before the beginning of the semester, the estimated amount of your tuition and fees will be replaced with the actual amount for the determination of aid eligibility. After the census date this figure will not be adjusted.
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment - These estimated costs are based on the classes/credit hours for which you register. If the amount of your financial aid is greater than the amount of your university eBill, the excess aid will be refunded to you to assist with the cost of your books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other living expenses. If you are enrolled less than full-time, your allowance for books and supplies will be pro-rated (distributed proportionally).
Living expenses (housing and food) - A standard allowance for rent or other housing costs based on a survey of students and housing options in the WSU area. Your housing costs will depend on the living arrangements that you select. If you are living away from home you will have a higher estimated budget amount than students who are living at home with their parents.
Transportation and Personal/Miscellaneous expenses - These are estimates based on other expenses that students typically incur while attending school. The cost of parking is included in these components.
Bar exam costs - An estimate of $776 in your final year of study.