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How to Get Into Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

Michigan State University Admissions Statistics

85%
Acceptance Rate
590-680
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
590-680
SAT Math (mid 50%)
25-31
ACT (mid 50%)
40,922
Undergrads
81%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into Michigan State University

The bar here is clear

Michigan State University admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1180-1360 combined SAT or 25-31 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Test policy here is "Test-flexible", check the fine print for your specific program.

Use the Early Action round deliberately

Michigan State University offers Early Action: non-binding and worth taking if your application is ready, an earlier answer helps you calibrate the rest of your list, and EA carries no downside beyond the earlier deadline.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where Michigan State University fits.

Michigan State University Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Early Action (EA) November 1, 2025
Regular Decision (RD) April 1, 2026

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $75
Test scores Test-flexible
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required

Michigan State University Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $32,198
Tuition & fees (in-state / out-of-state) $16,458 / $43,842
Room & board (on campus) $12,564
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $19,680

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $7,068
$30-48k $10,830
$48-75k $16,521
$75-110k $22,703
$110k+ $28,546
20%
Students receiving Pell Grants
34%
Students taking federal loans
90%
Freshman retention rate
17:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use Michigan State University's Official Net Price Calculator →

More Michigan State University Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for Michigan State University:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at Michigan State University, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into Michigan State University, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon Michigan State University's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships Michigan State University students actually win

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