About

About Michigan State University

big ten research universityhigh acceptance ratestrong stem programslarge public universityland grant institution

Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, MI, known for its big ten research university, high acceptance rate, and strong stem programs. With an acceptance rate of 88%, MSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 9,829 students each year. MSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1100–1310, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. MSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $9,755 per year; the sticker price of $56,274 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Michigan State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

88%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1205
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.50 – 3.75 unweighted

Build your free list to see where your GPA lands at Michigan State University →

SATSubmitted score range: 1100 – 1310 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

ACTScore range: 24 – 30

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Michigan State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Test Score Strategy
Since MSU is test optional and your scores fall below their 75th percentile, you are better off not submitting them and letting your GPA, coursework, and activities carry your application.
Essay Strategy
MSU rates essays as moderately important, so use your personal statement to show genuine enthusiasm for your specific program at MSU, whether that is Eli Broad College of Business, the College of Engineering, or another college, rather than writing a generic story about yourself.

Get a tailored strategy for Michigan State University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What Michigan State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$56k/yr$7.1k
30k-48k~$56k/yr$10.8k
48k-75k~$56k/yr$16.5k
75k-110k~$56k/yr$22.7k
110k+~$56k/yr$28.5k

Not sure what Michigan State University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Michigan State University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Michigan State University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

82%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$55k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
37,228
Undergrad Enrollment
Michigan State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch