Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · 4-year

Michigan State University has a 83.9% acceptance rate. Michigan State University is a public 4-year institution in East Lansing, MI, with a median SAT of 1260 and a median ACT of 28. The average net price is $19,680 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

83.9%

58,879 applicants

SAT Median

1260

Combined score

ACT Median

28

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$19,680

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Michigan State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Michigan State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)115012601360
ACT (composite, 1–36)262831

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

81.4%

Retention Rate

90.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$67,253

Student Body

40,922

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Michigan State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$7,068
$30,001 – $48,000$10,830
$48,001 – $75,000$16,521
$75,001 – $110,000$22,703
$110,000+$28,546

Top Majors at Michigan State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing1,469
Biological & Biomedical Sciences1,240
Communication & Journalism852
Engineering754
Social Sciences683
Psychology486
Computer & Information Sciences402
Health Professions348
Parks, Recreation & Fitness311
Visual & Performing Arts300

Financial Aid at Michigan State University

About Michigan State University

Official website: https://www.msu.edu/

Admissions: https://admissions.msu.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan State University

What is the acceptance rate at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. it received about 58,879 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1260; the average net price is $19,680 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Michigan State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Michigan State University?

Getting into Michigan State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 84% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1260. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Michigan State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Michigan State University?

Admitted students at Michigan State University typically have a median SAT around 1260 and a median ACT around 28. With a 84% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Michigan State University?

The average net price at Michigan State University is $19,680 per year after grants and scholarships. about 97% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $8,147 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 81%. its first-year retention rate is 90%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $67,253. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Michigan State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Michigan State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Michigan State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1260. With a 84% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Michigan State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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