Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback

School Overview

Degrees: MD
Ownership: Public Non-Profit
Program Length: 4 years
Total Enrollment: 212
Founding Year: 1964
Accreditation Year: 1964

Has any information changed? Report an update.

SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $352,898

Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for MSU-CHM using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Below national average cost of living

East Lansing, MI is about 0.82x the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment lowers the living allowance from $3,000 to about $2,460 per month. Local rent and commuting choices can still move your actual budget meaningfully.

Environment: Urban

Located in a more suburban setting, MSU-CHM is in an area where biking can supplement the otherwise car-centric environment. While walking to amenities isn't always practical, students may find short bike rides useful for local errands.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 26% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.

Read Feedback Interview Prep Add Feedback

Secondary Essays for MSU-CHM

1. Career Goals and Future Aspirations

Imagine your professional life 15 years from now and briefly detail where you envision yourself and what you hope to be doing.

2. Other

Share your thoughts on how systemic injustices and inequities have affected you directly and/or shaped your perspective on society.

3. Motivation and Fit

If you could present yourself to the Admissions Committee, what would you want them to know about you?

4. Motivation and Fit

LMU Only: Why are you interested in the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved Program?

5. Personal Experiences and Challenges

LMU Only: How have your past experiences prepared you for the challenges of a medical practice in an underserved area?

Read More Essay Questions Add Essay Questions

About the School

Founded in 1964, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM) was among the first U.S. medical schools to implement a community-based medical education model. The college operates across eight community campuses throughout Michigan, including Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Midland Regional, Southeast Michigan, Traverse City, and the Upper Peninsula Region . This structure allows students to train in diverse clinical settings, reflecting the environments in which many physicians practice . The college’s mission emphasizes educating exemplary physicians and scholars, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing service at home and abroad.

Curriculum

MSU CHM’s curriculum, known as the Shared Discovery Curriculum (SDC), was implemented in 2016 and emphasizes patient-centered care. The SDC integrates basic and clinical sciences throughout the curriculum, offers early and ongoing clinical experiences, and promotes collaborative learning between faculty and students . The curriculum is grounded in adult learning theories, focusing on self-direction, social interaction, integration, experimentation, practice, and mentorship . The first year includes a 24-week Early Clinical Experience (ECE), combining basic science, clinical experiences, and social sciences to provide foundational knowledge and skills.

Facilities

The Secchia Center in Grand Rapids serves as the headquarters for MSU CHM. Opened in 2010, this $90 million, privately funded medical education building is located along the downtown Medical Mile . The Grand Rapids area hosts a progressive medical and health professions community, with over 1,000 volunteer clinical faculty participating in student and resident education . Additionally, the Grand Rapids Research Center, opened in 2017, houses biomedical researchers focusing on various health disciplines.

Demographics

The entering class of 2024 at MSU CHM comprised 190 students. Of these, 61.5% were female, 38% male, and 0.5% identified as another gender identity. A significant majority, 86%, were Michigan residents. The class included 11% from groups designated as Underrepresented in Medicine, 24% from rural areas, and 49% from disadvantaged backgrounds, low-income families, or were first-generation college students. Furthermore, 17% of students entered through outreach programs such as the ABLE and Early Assurance Programs.

Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025