Overview of Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is a public research university located in Starkville, MS, with an acceptance rate of 57%.  The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. 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 Mississippi State Bulldogs play in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 21,974 (18,490 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 40 percent male/60 percent female
• 95 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $8,910 (in-state); $23,950 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,200
• Room and Board: $10,435
• Other Expenses: $5,358
• Total Cost: $25,903 (in-state); $40,943 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 96 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 96 percent
  • Loans: 52 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $9,274
  • Loans: $6,799

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies; Education; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 80 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 31 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 58 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Mississippi State University Admissions

Mississippi State University, which admits just over half of the applicants, has a competitive admissions process based primarily on grades and test scores. 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. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the application process’s next steps.

Admissions Data

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Mississippi State University had an acceptance rate of 57%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 57 students gained admission, making MSU’s admissions process competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 13% of admitted students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals to us that most of Mississippi State’s admitted students fall within the top 35% on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to MSU scored between 540 and 660 on the reading and writing section, while 25% scored below 540, and 25% scored over 660. 50% of admitted students scored between 530 and 670 on the math section, while 25% scored below 530, and 25% scored over 670. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1330 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Mississippi State.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 87% of admitted students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals to us that most of Mississippi State’s admitted students fall within the top 36% on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to Mississippi State received a cumulative ACT score between 22 and 29, while 25% scored over 29, and 25% scored below 22.

GPA

In 2019, Mississippi State University’s freshman class’s mean high school GPA was 3.21, and over 55% of students had a mean GPA of 3.50 and over. These results suggest that successful applicants to Mississippi State have primarily high B grades.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

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

Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Hampton University, Washington State University, East Carolina University, Texas State University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

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

University of Arizona, Colorado State University, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of Alabama, University of Texas at Arlington, Pace University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

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

Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Syracuse University, Penn State University Park, United States Military Academy, Temple University, Seton Hall University

Applying to Mississippi State University

Application Deadline: Rolling

Undergraduate Admissions Website: https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/

Undergraduate Application Link(s): https://apply.msstate.edu/

Graduate Admissions Website: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://goto.msstate.edu/apply/?sr=e02e34da-bb7c-4023-8257-eca71eb2d190