East Lansing, Michigan · Public · 40,922 undergrads
Michigan State admitted 83% of applicants for fall 2025 (52,411 of 62,965, Common Data Set 2025-26). Michigan State is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1100–1310.
The numbers
Applied
62,965
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
25–31
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.74
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
18%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$65
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Michigan State?
83% of applicants get in
Nearly everyone who applies gets in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1100–1310 on the SAT.
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).
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.
Checked on admissions.msu.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source
Early rounds and deadlines
Early action is offered: you hear sooner and don't have to commit.
Closed
Early action
Was due Nov 1, 2026
142days
Regular decision
Due Thursday, Apr 1, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
4,241 students were offered a spot on the wait list.
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Michigan State looks at
Counts most
GPA.
Counts a lot
How hard your classes were, essay, activities.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, interview, talent or ability, character, first in your family to go to college, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Michigan State rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Michigan State University's acceptance rate?
Michigan State admitted 83% of applicants for fall 2025 (52,411 of 62,965, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Michigan State University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1100–1310. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
