Michigan State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Michigan State University is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 71%. Located in East Lansing, Michigan on the banks of the Red Cedar River, Michigan State is the largest of Michigan's public universities by enrollment. With over 50,000 students, a 5,200-acre campus, and close to 600 buildings, MSU is a small city unto itself. The school also offers more than 275 study abroad programs in 60 countries. MSU was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs, and its high level of research opportunities earned it membership in the Association of American Universities. The MSU Spartans compete in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Big Ten Conference.

Considering applying to Michigan State University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know including the average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Michigan State University had an acceptance rate of 71%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 71 students were admitted, making Michigan State's admissions process moderately selective.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Michigan State requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 78% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Michigan State's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Michigan State scored between 550 and 650, while 25% scored below 550 and 25% scored above 650. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 550 and 670, while 25% scored below 550 and 25% scored above 670. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1320 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Michigan State.

Requirements

Michigan State University recommends, but does not require, the SAT writing section. Note that Michigan State does not superscore SAT results, your highest composite SAT score will be considered. SAT Subject tests are not required by Michigan State.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Michigan State requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 38% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Michigan State's admitted students fall within the top 31% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Michigan State received a composite ACT score between 23 and 29, while 25% scored above 29 and 25% scored below 23.

Requirements

Michigan State recommends, but does not require, the ACT writing section. Note that Michigan State does not superscore ACT results, your highest composite ACT score will be considered.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for Michigan State's incoming freshman class was 3.75, and over 54% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Michigan State have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Michigan State University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Michigan State University, which accepts fewer than three-quarters of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average range, you have a strong chance of being accepted. Potential applicants should have four years of English, three years of math and social studies, and two years of science and a single foreign language. While Michigan State does not have minimum requirements for admission, success in AP, IB, Honors, and dual enrollment classes will demonstrate to the admissions office that you took the most rigorous coursework available.

Michigan State will also be evaluating your personal statement, your leadership potential and extracurricular involvement, and trends in your academic performance. Grades that have improved since freshman year will be viewed more positively than grades that have declined. 

The blue and green dots in the graph represent students accepted to Michigan State. The majority of successful applicants had B or higher unweighted averages, SAT scores of about 1000 or higher (ERW+M), and ACT composite scores of 20 or above. Higher numbers will improve your chance of acceptance, and almost all students with A averages and above average test scores were accepted.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Michigan State University Undergraduate Admissions Office.