Chances of Getting Into Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan • Public University • #77 National • Founded 1855
Michigan State Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Michigan State SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a major public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. As one of the original land-grant institutions, MSU has grown into a comprehensive university with particular strengths in supply chain management (#1 nationally), education, and criminal justice. Go Green!
Top Programs
What Makes Michigan State Unique
- #1 supply chain management program in the country for 30+ consecutive years
- One of the most comprehensive universities in the U.S. with 200+ programs
- Original pioneer of the land-grant university model
- Beautiful 5,200-acre campus — one of the largest in the nation
- Strong Spartans athletics with passionate fan culture
Michigan State Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Michigan State Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Michigan State: Admission Tips
Rolling admissions — apply early for best chances and scholarship consideration
Honors College is more competitive and worth applying to for top students
Academic record and GPA are the primary factors in admissions
Engineering and business programs have additional admission requirements
Michigan residents benefit from lower tuition and priority consideration
The Brutal Truth About Michigan State Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 83% acceptance rate, Michigan State rejected over 9,350 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Michigan State, having a 3.55 GPA and 1250 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Michigan State doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Michigan State genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 83%-acceptance-rate basket.
Michigan State Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Michigan State University?
Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 83% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 55,000+ applicants, approximately 8,600 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Michigan State?
The average GPA of admitted students at Michigan State University is 3.55. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.40, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Michigan State?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Michigan State students is 1150–1340. The average SAT score is 1250. For ACT, the range is 24–30 with an average of 27.
Is Michigan State hard to get into?
Yes, Michigan State University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 83%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Michigan State cost?
Tuition at Michigan State University is $15,372 (in-state) / $42,798 (out-of-state) per year, with total cost of attendance at $29,188 (in-state) / $56,614 (out-of-state). However, 56% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $14,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Michigan State?
Your chances of getting into Michigan State University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 83% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Michigan State
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