Overview of Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 78%. Situated in East Lansing, Michigan has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students. The school also offers more than 275 study abroad programs in 60 countries. A robust student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via many clubs and organizations.  The MSU Spartans play in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Big Ten Conference.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 50,351 (39,423 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 49 percent male/51 percent female
• 91 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $14,460 (in-state); $39,766 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,108
• Room and Board: $10,472
• Other Expenses: $3,040
• Total Cost: $29,080 (in-state); $54,386 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 66 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 48 percent
  • Loans: 41 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $11,564
  • Loans: $6,811

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Social Sciences; and Engineering

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 92 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 12 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 53 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 80 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Crew-Rowing, Field Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Michigan State University Admissions

Michigan State University, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data             

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Michigan State University had an acceptance rate of 78%.  For every 100 students who submitted applications, 78 students gained admission, making Michigan State’s admissions process moderately selective.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 76% of admitted students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals to us that most of Michigan State’s admitted students fall within the top 35% on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to Michigan State scored between 560 and 650 on the reading and writing section, while 25% scored below 560, and 25% scored over 650. 50% of students scored between 550 and 660 on the math section, while 25% scored below 550, and 25% scored over 660. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1310 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Michigan State.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 43% of admitted students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals to us that most of Michigan State’s admitted students fall within the top 31% on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to Michigan State received a cumulative ACT score between 23 and 29, while 25% scored over 29, and 25% scored below 23.

GPA

In 2019, the median 50% of Michigan State’s class had high school GPAs between 3.5 and 3.9. 25% had a GPA of over 3.9, and 25% had a GPA below 3.5. The mean high school GPA for the freshman class was 3.68. These results suggest that successful applicants to Michigan State have A and B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Michigan State University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Michigan State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Ohio University, University of Alabama, Pace University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Florida Gulf Coast University, Washington State University

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Michigan State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Temple University, Seton Hall University, Howard University, University of Houston, San Diego State University, University of California, Riverside, University of Arizona

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Michigan State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

Stony Brook University, University of Texas at Dallas, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Syracuse University, University of Cincinnati, Penn State University Park

Applying to Michigan State University

Application Deadline: Rolling

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/freshman/default.aspx

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/default.aspx

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students/default.aspx

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://admissions.msu.edu/application/default.aspx?AL=G