Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
62,965 applied, 52,411 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
What does Michigan State cost?
$21,322 a year in-state
Out of state: about $48,706 a year
What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $33,710.
Tap your family income:
Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000
$11,741
$30,000–$48,000
$11,883
$48,000–$75,000
$14,300
$75,000–$110,000
$22,082
over $110,000
$30,356
Sticker, in-state
$33,710
In-state, with aid
$21,322
At your income
Out-of-state tuition is $44,640 a year, against $17,256 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $27,384 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
Checked on admissions.msu.edu Nov 5, 2026. See the source
Does Michigan State need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 39% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1210 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Is Michigan State University test-optional for fall 2027?
Yes. Michigan State is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on admissions.msu.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Michigan State University's acceptance rate?
83% for fall 2025: 52,411 of 62,965 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Michigan State University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1100 to 1310 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Michigan State University cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $14,300 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $33,710.
How much does Michigan State University cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at Michigan State is $44,640 a year, against $17,256 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $21,322 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $27,384 tuition gap gives about $48,706 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
When is the Michigan State University application deadline for fall 2027?
Early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Apr 1, 2027. Checked on admissions.msu.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
