Michigan State University campus
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Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · 40,922 students

With over 1,000 student clubs, campus life offers diverse ways to find your community.

Acceptance rate

84.8%

SAT (mid 50%)

1180–1360

Avg net price

$19,680

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Michigan State University admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Michigan State University admitted 84.8% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1180–1360 on the SAT and 25–31 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Michigan State University actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Explore, Research, Achieve

Choose from more than 400 areas of study across 16 colleges and unrivaled opportunities for undergraduate research.

Students can choose from over 400 areas of study across 16 colleges, with opportunities for undergraduate research.

  • 400+ MajorsAcross 16 colleges
  • Undergraduate ResearchUnrivaled opportunities, 100+ institutes and centers
  • Education Abroad300+ programs

Verified from admissions.msu.edu and finaid.msu.edu and admissions.msu.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.msu.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

    Every prompt, with how to approach each →

    Verified from https://www.msu.edu.

    Cost and aid

    What will you actually pay?

    The sticker price is about $32,198. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $19,680.

    The Office of Financial Aid provides step-by-step guidance to help students fund their Spartan experience.

    Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $67,253.

    Verified from https://www.msu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

    Academics

    These are the most popular majors.

    • Biology, General6% of degrees
    • Psychology, General5% of degrees
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations5% of degrees
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication5% of degrees
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General4% of degrees
    • Finance and Financial Management Services4% of degrees

    Quick answers

    What do people ask about Michigan State University?

    Is Michigan State University test-optional?
    For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Michigan State University is optional.
    How hard is it to get into Michigan State University?
    Very hard. Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180 to 1360 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
    How much does Michigan State University cost?
    The list price is about $32,198. After aid, families pay $19,680 on average.
    Is Michigan State University worth it?
    Graduates earn a median of $67,253 ten years after enrolling. 81% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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    Ask Spike anything about Michigan State University.

    Spike answers from Michigan State University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.