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
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
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
across all majors
01

Michigan State University at a Glance

83.9%
Acceptance Rate
1250
Average SAT
28
Average ACT
54,390
Total Enrollment
20.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Michigan State University

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%

Michigan State University Overview

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%

International Students at Michigan State University: By the Numbers

6.2%
International Undergrads
2,605
International Undergrad Count
2,358
International Graduate Students
9.1%
International (All Students)

Cost of Attending Michigan State University as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board$11,754/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total$47,016
Note for public universities: Michigan State University is a public institution. International students pay out-of-state tuition, which is significantly higher than in-state rates. Financial aid for international students at public universities is limited.

How to Apply to Michigan State University as an International Student

1
Meet English Proficiency Requirements
Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.
2
Submit Standardized Tests
SAT: 1250+, ACT: 28+
3
Prepare Financial Documentation
You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
4
Apply for F-1 Student Visa
After admission, Michigan State University will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

Michigan State University Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of Michigan State University's undergraduate student body.

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

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%

How to Get Into Michigan State University

Michigan State is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — Michigan State still offers strong programs and outcomes.

1250
Target SAT Score
28
Target ACT Score
83.9%
Acceptance Rate
58,879
Total Applicants

What Michigan State University Values Most 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

Michigan State University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Michigan State University Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

DeadlineDate
Priority DeadlineNov 1
Regular DecisionMay 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)Mar 1
Rolling Admissions: Michigan State University reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

20.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families

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 Michigan State University Housing International 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.