Michigan State University

At a glance

Admission rate

85%

Total (middle 50%)

1180–1360

Undergraduates

40,922

Setting

City: Small

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test optional Applicants may choose whether to send a score.

MSU is test optional; first-year applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score (page names no specific term). International first-year students are not required to submit ACT/SAT but must provide an English proficiency score if they do not use ACT/SAT for that purpose. (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: admissions.msu.edu

SAT scores

Total (middle 50%)

1180–1360

Reading and Writing

590–680

Math

590–680

Average total

1269

ACT composite (middle 50%)

25–31

The middle 50%: a quarter of admitted students who sent scores scored below the first number, a quarter above the second. The total adds up the two sections' ranges, so it's approximate.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Admissions

Accepts

Institution application, Common App, Coalition with Scoir$75 application fee, waiver for eligible applicants; submit only one application.

Application fee

$75

Phone

(517) 355-1855

Admissions email

admis@msu.edu

Source: School's page (admissions.msu.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition, in-state

$17,256per year

Tuition, out-of-state

$44,640per year

Average net price

$21,322What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

80%

First-year retention

90%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$74,168

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: undergraduate certificate, bachelor, master, doctoral, first professional, graduate certificate

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study