DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.2 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 50 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.28
CAMPUS · EAST LANSING, MI · PUBLIC

Michigan State University

Michigan State University
83.9%
ACCEPT
$42,778
TUITION
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors
50
FIT
SAFETY
Michigan State University is a safety for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
83.9%
of 58,879 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
$61,800
across all majors
01

Michigan State University at a Glance

83.9%
Acceptance Rate
1250
Average SAT
28
Average ACT
$14,750
In-State Tuition
$42,778
Out-of-State Tuition
54,390
Total Enrollment
$61,800
Median Salary (10yr)
20.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Michigan State University SAT & ACT Scores

Test25th Percentile75th PercentileMidpoint
SAT Reading580670625
SAT Math570680625
SAT Total115013501250
ACT Composite263128

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received58,879
Students Admitted49,414
Students Enrolled9,533
Yield Rate19.3%

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, MI with 54,390 students. With a 83.9% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Biological Sciences, and Communication.

Full NameMichigan State University
LocationEast Lansing, MI 48824-1046
TypePublic
Websitemsu.edu/
Total Enrollment54,390
Undergrad Enrollment41,943
Female Students51.5%

Is Michigan State University a Reach, Match, or Safety?

Michigan State University accepts 83.9% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.

Your ProfileMichigan State University Is...What to Do
Meet academic requirements Safety Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average Match Apply — still realistic

Michigan State University True Cost by Family Income

20% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Michigan State enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.

Family IncomeAnnual Net Price4-Year Totalvs Sticker Price
$0-30k $10,200 $40,800 -76%
$30-48k $12,600 $50,400 -71%
$48-75k $18,400 $73,600 -57%
$75-110k $26,200 $104,800 -39%
$110k+ $39,800 $159,200 -7%

Michigan State University Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankMichigan State University SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $75,000 $75,000 +0%
Engineering $72,000 $72,000 +0%
Mathematics & Statistics $62,000 $62,000 +0%
Engineering Technologies $58,000 $58,000 +0%
Business $55,000 $55,000 +0%
Health Professions $52,000 $52,000 +0%
Physical Sciences $48,000 $48,000 +0%
Social Sciences $45,000 $45,000 +0%
Legal Professions $45,000 $45,000 +0%
Biological Sciences $42,000 $42,000 +0%
Agriculture & Natural Resources $42,000 $42,000 +0%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $42,000 $42,000 +0%
Homeland Security & Law Enforcement $42,000 $42,000 +0%
Communication & Journalism $40,000 $40,000 +0%
Natural Resources & Conservation $40,000 $40,000 +0%
History $40,000 $40,000 +0%
Education $38,000 $38,000 +0%
Public Administration & Social Services $38,000 $38,000 +0%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $38,000 $38,000 +0%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $38,000 $38,000 +0%
Psychology $36,000 $36,000 +0%
English Language & Literature $36,000 $36,000 +0%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness $35,000 $35,000 +0%
Family & Consumer Sciences $35,000 $35,000 +0%
Liberal Arts & General Studies $35,000 $35,000 +0%
Visual & Performing Arts $34,000 $34,000 +0%

Popular Majors at Michigan State University

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Business/Marketing
15.4%
Biological Sciences
13.5%
Communication
9.7%
Engineering
9.1%
Social Sciences
8.6%
Psychology
5.3%
Computer Science
4.4%
Health Professions
3.4%
Parks/Recreation
3.4%
Agriculture
3.2%
Visual/Performing Arts
2.8%
Multidisciplinary
2.7%
Education
2.5%
Security/Law Enforcement
2.5%
Natural Resources
2.2%
Engineering Technology
2.1%

Student Demographics

White
66.6%
Black/African American
7.0%
Hispanic/Latino
6.0%
Asian
7.7%
International
6.2%

What Michigan State University Looks For in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

FactorImportance
Academic Gpa ★★★★★ Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record ★★★★★ Very Important
Class Rank ★★★★ Important
Standardized Test Scores ★★★★ Important
Application Essay ★★★★ Important
Recommendation ★★★ Considered
Extracurricular Activities ★★★ Considered
Talent Ability ★★★★ Important
Character Personal Qualities ★★★ Considered
First Generation ★★★ Considered
Alumni Relation ★★★ Considered
Interview ★★ Not Considered
Work Experience ★★★ Considered
Volunteer Work ★★★ Considered

Financial Aid & Student Debt

20.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$46,200
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan State University

What is Michigan State's acceptance rate?
Michigan State has an acceptance rate of 83.9%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Michigan State?
The middle 50% SAT range at Michigan State is 1150-1350. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 26-31. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Michigan State?
The most popular majors at Michigan State by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (15.4%), Biological Sciences (13.5%), Communication (9.7%), Engineering (9.1%), Social Sciences (8.6%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
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More About Michigan State University

Michigan State University Acceptance Rate Michigan State University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Michigan State University Michigan State University Salary & ROI Michigan State University AP Credit Best Majors at Michigan State University

Other Colleges in MI

University of Michigan
17.9% accept · Ann Arbor

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Michigan State University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.