MSU Academic Calendar 2026-2027

MSU Academic Calendar 2026-2027: MSU Fall Break 2026

If you are a student at Michigan State University, you should regularly check the MSU Academic Calendar for 2026–2027 to keep track of important dates such as the start and end of each semester, registration deadlines, final exams, and graduation ceremonies. Staying informed with the academic calendar ensures you never miss a key milestone and helps you manage your time throughout the school year. Whether you are planning your course load, travel, or study sessions, knowing these dates in advance is essential.

Michigan State University follows a semester-based academic system. Each academic year typically includes three main semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each semester usually runs for about 14 to 15 weeks, allowing students to complete their coursework and exams within a structured timeline. The Fall semester usually begins in late August, followed by the Spring semester in early January, and then the Summer session in May. The academic calendar also includes breaks and holidays when classes are not in session, giving students time to rest or catch up on studies.

By referring to the MSU Academic Calendar for 2026–2027, students can stay updated on key dates and deadlines throughout the year. It is an essential resource for planning and staying organized during your studies. Be sure to review the calendar early and often, so you can make the most of your academic experience at Michigan State University.

READ ALSO: SDSU Academic Calendar 2026-2027

MSU Academic Calendar 2026-2027

The following is a list of significant academic dates and deadlines from the 2026-20276 term of the Michigan State University calendar. Clicking on the section number in the Schedule of Courses will bring you a list of crucial dates and deadlines for each section, including the end dates for tuition refunds.

Fall 2026

Classes Begin: Monday, August 25, 2026
Quarter of Semester: Thursday, September 18, 2026
Mid-Semester: Monday, October 13, 2026
Classes End: Sunday, December 7, 2026
Final Exams: Monday, December 8 – Friday, December 12, 2026
Commencement: Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14, 2026

Important Deadlines:

Enrollment by appointment: Begins March 17, 2026
Open enrollment: Begins March 31, 2026
Graduation application (Spring 2027): Opens August 25, 2026
Add deadline: August 29, 2026
Tuition payment due: September 1, 2026
Tuition refund ends: September 18, 2026
Apply to graduate (Commencement Program): October 10, 2026
Grades due: December 16, 2026

Holidays & Breaks:

University Closed: Monday, September 1
Fall Break: Monday, October 20 – Tuesday, October 21
Thanksgiving Break: Thursday, November 27 – Friday, November 28
Winter Break: Thursday, December 25 – Friday, January 2, 2027

Spring 2026

Classes Begin: Monday, January 12, 2026
Quarter of Semester: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Mid-Semester: Monday, March 9, 2026
Classes End: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Final Exams: Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1, 2026
Commencement: Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3, 2026

Important Deadlines:

Tuition billing available: January 10, 2026
Add deadline: January 16, 2026
Tuition payment due: February 1, 2026
Tuition refund ends: February 5, 2026
Apply to graduate: May 1, 2026
Degree conferral date: May 1, 2026
Grades due: May 5, 2026

Holidays & Breaks:

University Closed: Monday, January 19
Spring Break: February 28 – March 8

Summer 2026 – Full Session

Classes Begin: Monday, May 11, 2026
Quarter of Semester: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Mid-Semester: Monday, June 29, 2026
Classes End: Friday, August 14, 2026
Grades Due: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Degree Conferral & Graduation Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026

Important Deadlines:

Tuition billing available: May 9, 2026
Add deadline: May 15, 2026
Tuition refund ends: June 3, 2026
Tuition payment due: June 1, 2026

Summer 2026 – Session One

Classes Begin: Monday, May 11, 2026
Quarter of Session: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Mid-Semester: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Classes End: Friday, June 26, 2026
Grades Due: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Important Deadlines:

Add deadline: May 13, 2026
Tuition refund ends: May 21, 2026

Summer 2026 – Session Two

Classes Begin: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Quarter of Session: Monday, July 13, 2026
Mid-Semester: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Classes End: Friday, August 14, 2026
Grades Due: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Important Deadlines:

Add deadline: July 2, 2026
Tuition refund ends: July 13, 2026

Summer Holidays 2026

University Closed: Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
University Open, No Classes: Friday, June 19
University Closed: Friday, July 3 (Independence Day observed)

READ: UNH Academic Calendar 2026-2027

First-Year Application Dates and Deadlines For MSU 2026–2027

Applications for Fall 2025 opened on August 1, 2024, and closed on May 1, 2025. The application period for Spring 2026 opened on May 1, 2025, and Fall 2026 applications are expected to open in August 2025. Prospective transfer students are encouraged to submit their completed applications as early as possible, keeping in mind that deadlines vary by semester. Admission availability may be limited for spring or summer terms, depending on space in the entering class, so applying early improves your chances.

Early Action (Non-Binding), November 1 : Submit your complete application and all materials by November 1 and select the Early Action option to receive an admission decision by January 15. Early Action applicants get maximum scholarship consideration. This option is non-binding, so admission does not require you to attend MSU.
Regular Decision, April 1 (Priority Deadline: February 1) . Students who apply after Nov. 1 are considered Regular Decision applicants. Applications submitted by Feb. 1 will receive a decision by March 31. Applications between Feb. 1 and April 1 are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Decision Timeline

Early Action:

Apply by: Nov. 1

Decision by: Jan. 15

Acceptance deadline: May 1

Regular Decision:

Apply by: Feb. 1 (priority) / Apr. 1 (final)
Decision by: March 31 or rolling
Acceptance deadline: May 1

To be considered, submit your application and all required materials by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline. MSU is test optional, but if submitting scores, request them early (ACT: 2032, SAT: 1465). Acceptance Deadline, May 1 . Admitted students must confirm their enrollment and pay the acceptance fee by May 1 to hold their spot.

How to Apply at Michigan State University (MSU) for 2026–2027

Applying to MSU is a simple, step-by-step process. Whether you are a first-year or transfer student, below is how to get started:

Choose Your Application Type

First-year students can apply through the MSU application or the Common Application. Transfer students should use the MSU application only.

Submit Your Application

Complete and submit your application online by the appropriate deadline.

For Early Action (non-binding), apply by November 1, 2026
For Regular Decision, apply by February 1, 2027 (priority) or April 1, 2027 (final)

Send Required Materials

Make sure MSU receives the following:

Official high school transcript (first-year students) or college transcript (transfer students)
ACT or SAT scores (optional — MSU is test-optional)
Any additional materials listed in your application checklist

Check Your Email and MSU Portal

After submitting your application, you will receive updates by email and through your student portal. Be sure to check regularly for your admission decision and any next steps.

Accept Your Offer

 If admitted, confirm your spot and pay the acceptance fee by May 1, 2027, to secure your place in the incoming class.

Contact MSU

Phone

(517) 355-8332

admis@msu.edu

Fax

(517) 353-1647

Address

426 Auditorium Road, Room 250, East Lansing, MI 48824-2604

Visit the official website of Michigan State University for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

RELATED LINKS: