Hourly Paid Parking

Visitors to campus should be parked in pay lots or individually metered spaces with time paid for; most eligible locations use the pay-by-plate system. Parking rates are $2 per hour.  Payment is required immediately upon arrival and must cover the entire duration of your stay. Pay-by-plate locations may be viewed on the interactive campus map by selecting “visitor parking” under "categories" in the menu. Scroll further down for a list of pay lots and their restrictions.

Campus Map

  • Refer to signs at the lot entrances for overall parking requirements and restrictions, including hours of enforcement.
  • Some residence hall loops offer short-term parking at meters or pay-by-plate spaces and require payment from 6am-Midnight. Hall loops do NOT allow parking from 2am-6am.
  • License plates registered in Michigan do not use the letter 'O,' zero should be entered.

Some residence hall loops offer short-term parking at meters or pay-by-plate spaces and require payment from 6am-Midnight every day. Hall loops do NOT allow overnight parking from 2am-6am.

Pay-by-Plate Parking

Pay-by-plate lots allow parking for varied durations of time based on location. The license plate must be entered and payment submitted at a pay station in the lot or via the MSU SPOT ON app to validate parking. Pay stations accept credit/debit cards or cash/coin ($1s & $5s only). They do not give change back nor are refunds issued for time paid but not used. Unused parking time in one lot cannot be transferred to another location. If you move, payment is required again in the new location.

Metered Parking

Parking meters provide the most traditional, short-term parking option at MSU. Generally, meter timing is set to provide rapid turnover; rates and duration are posted on the meter. Times and schedules vary; please check the meter before you walk away. If you pay the meter and it malfunctions, do NOT park there, you may receive a parking violation. Malfunctioning meters are NO PARKING ZONES.

Campus meters only register United States coins and accept major credit cards for payment. Meters do not give change back nor are refunds issued for time paid but not used.

Pay-By-Plate Lot Information

Day Parking

Day and Overnight Parking

MOST LOTS ARE AFFECTED BY SPECIAL EVENTS – THIS CAN CHANGE AVAILABILITY OF PARKING AND FEES. PLEASE CONTACT PARKING SERVICES WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW AN EVENT MAY IMPACT YOUR PARKING.

SPOT ON mobile payment

A payment alternative for pay-by-plate parking is available with the MSU Parking SPOT ON* app. The iOS and Android application (available as a web app for other mobile platforms) allows you to pay for a parking session remotely. For parking sessions initiated with the app, you can also extend your session without returning to the parking lot. Check out the SPOT ON website for additional information.

*PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS A CONVENIENCE FEE APPLIED TO EACH SPOT ON TRANSACTION. SEE APP FOR DETAILS.

SPOT ON