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Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI·Public·~85% acceptance

Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public university. It has fairly open admissions, accepting about 85% of applicants. The average net price after aid is about $19,680 per year. About 81% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $67,253 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$19,680/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $32,198
Aid cuts ~$12,518/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
EA
Nov 1
RD
Rolling

Verified source · Aug 2026

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Your fit

Blueprint scores how well Michigan State University matches your grades, budget, and preferences. New to Blueprint? Start with the Discovery quiz to find your best-fit majors first.

Admissions
GPA range~3.74 avg
SAT (middle 50%)1180–1360
ACT (middle 50%)25–31
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
81%
graduation rate
90%
freshman retention
$55,084
median earnings, 6yr
$67,253
median earnings, 10yr
How Michigan State reads an application

What Michigan State values

Very important
Grades (GPA)
Important
Course rigorApplication essaysExtracurriculars
Also considered
Test scoresInterviewTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualitiesFirst-generation statusVolunteer workWork experience

From Michigan State’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Michigan State requires

Required
Grades (GPA)College-prep programApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Test scoresRecommendationsWork experienceOther test scores

From federal IPEDS data — what Michigan State requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Michigan State University's acceptance rate?
Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.
How much does Michigan State University cost?
At Michigan State University, the average net price after aid is about $19,680 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $32,198 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Michigan State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1360 on the SAT and 25–31 on the ACT.
What GPA do you need for Michigan State University?
Admitted students typically have a GPA of about 3.74 on a 4.0 scale.
What are Michigan State University's application deadlines?
Michigan State University's deadlines are Early Action around Nov 1, Regular Decision around Rolling. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Michigan State University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Michigan State University rates Grades (GPA) as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Course rigor, Application essays, and Extracurriculars. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Michigan State University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Michigan State University, side by side with your other schools.