Admissions
Getting in, fall 2025
Michigan State admits about 8 in 10 applicants (83%). That puts it in the "Selective" tier, more selective than 38% of the 1,547 colleges that report admissions.
Out of every 100 applicants…
The funnel
Men and women were admitted at similar rates (84% and 85%).
$65 to apply
Grants credit for AP exams
Where applicants live
Michigan applicants were admitted at 84%, applicants from other states at 82%, and international applicants at 88%.
All applicants in the same class: 83%
Of those admitted, 34% from Michigan enrolled, against 7.0% from other states and 6.4% from abroad.
Counted by where applicants lived when they applied, which can differ from who qualifies for in-state tuition. A group's rate reflects who applies from there as well as how the college chooses.
Yield
18% of admitted students enroll, in the typical range nationally.
2,254 admitted from the wait list
Where you stand
How Michigan State reads a record
GPA is very important; is important; tests are considered. Scores are optional. 39% of first-years sent an SAT and 7% an ACT. Most first-years were admitted without scores. Most high schools no longer rank; this college doesn't lean on it. Requires 4 years of English, 3 of math, 3 of science, and 3 of social studies. See the years by subject
What they look at
| Very important | Important | Considered | Not considered | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic | |||||
| Rigor of high school record | Important | ||||
| Class rank | Not considered | ||||
| Academic GPA | Very important | ||||
| Test scores | Considered | ||||
| Essay | Important | ||||
| Recommendations | Not considered | ||||
| Personal | |||||
| Interview | Considered | ||||
| Extracurricular activities | Important | ||||
| Talent or ability | Considered | ||||
| Character and personal qualities | Considered | ||||
| First generation | Considered | ||||
| Alumni relation (legacy) | Not considered | ||||
| Geographic residence | Not considered | ||||
| State residency | Not considered | ||||
| Religious affiliation | Not considered | ||||
| Volunteer work | Considered | ||||
| Work experience | Considered | ||||
| Demonstrated interest | Considered | ||||
From the federal survey: college-prep program required; English proficiency test required; other tests considered
What you'll need in high school
Requires a high school diploma; accepts the GED.
Recommends a college-preparatory program in high school.
| Years of | Required |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Math | 3 |
| Science (lab: 1) | 3 |
| Foreign language | 1 |
| Social studies | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
A unit is a year of the subject; lab science is part of science.
On the admissions map
↑ SAT midpoint (higher = higher scores)
Test scores
What enrolled first-years scored
The typical enrolled first-year who sent scores is around 1270 on the SAT, 100 points above the median for colleges that report scores.
Optional
Scores are considered if you send them. For students entering in fall 2027.
Where would you land?
Middle 50% of enrolled first-years who sent scores This college's median National median midpoint
Score bands
Who submitted scores?
submitted SAT
submitted ACT
638 studentsRead with care: fewer than half of enrolled students submitted either test, so these ranges may run high. Learn about admissions.
Sources:Michigan State University Common Data Set 2025–26, Fall 2025;IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey, 2023–24;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey (athletics, programs, services, religious affiliation), 2025–26;Michigan State University Common Data Set 2025–26, Fall 2027 applicants;Michigan State University Common Data Set 2025–26, 2025–26About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)