Michigan State University acceptance rate, scores and deadlines
Source: Common Data Set 2025–26 · deadlines from Michigan State's admissions site.
Acceptance rate
Michigan State acceptance rate by year
52,411 of 62,965 applicants admitted for Fall 2025, against 84.8% for Fall 2024.
Show the numbers
| Entering class | Applied | Admitted | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 62,965 | 52,411 | 83.2% | Common Data Set |
| Fall 2024 | 62,138 | 52,690 | 84.8% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2023 | 58,879 | 49,414 | 83.9% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2022 | 53,341 | 46,914 | 87.9% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2021 | 50,630 | 42,150 | 83.3% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2020 | 45,426 | 34,663 | 76.3% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2019 | 44,322 | 31,522 | 71.1% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2018 | 33,129 | 25,733 | 77.7% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2017 | 36,143 | 25,860 | 71.5% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2016 | 37,480 | 24,641 | 65.7% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2015 | 35,300 | 23,397 | 66.3% | IPEDS |
2026–27 applications
Michigan State deadlines for 2026–27
Apply with MSU application or Common App or Coalition App (Scoir). Checked October 24, 2026 on Michigan State's admissions site. Dates can change; confirm them there before you submit.
- Early action Apply by Decisions By January 15
- Priority deadline Apply by Decisions —
- Regular decision Apply by Decisions Rolling; by March 31 if complete by the February 1 priority date
Early rounds
Early decision and early action at Michigan State
Michigan State offers early action for 2026–27. It does not publish separate early admit rates in its Common Data Set.
Scores and GPA
Test scores and GPA at Michigan State
Scores are for enrolled students who sent them, not for everyone admitted.
- 4.024.4%
- 3.75–3.9928.1%
- 3.50–3.7423.8%
- 3.25–3.4915.1%
- 3.00–3.247.0%
- 2.50–2.991.5%
- Below 2.500.0%
What counts
What Michigan State weighs
From section C7 of Michigan State's Common Data Set 2025–26.
Very important
- GPA
Important
- Course rigor
- Essays
- Activities
Considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First-generation status
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
- Demonstrated interest
Not considered
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Alumni relation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religious affiliation
Waitlist
Michigan State waitlist
4,241 students were offered a place on the waitlist for Fall 2025, and 2,254 were admitted from it.
Cost
What Michigan State costs
From the College Scorecard. For your own estimate, use Michigan State's net price calculator.
Compare
Colleges with a similar acceptance rate
Close to Michigan State's 83.2%, from the same official data.
FAQ
Questions about Michigan State admissions
What is Michigan State's acceptance rate?
Michigan State admitted 52,411 of 62,965 first-year applicants for Fall 2025, an acceptance rate of 83.2%. That is down from 84.8% for Fall 2024. Source: Common Data Set 2025–26.
Is Michigan State test-optional for 2026–27?
Yes. Michigan State is test-optional for 2026–27: you can apply with or without SAT or ACT scores.
When are Michigan State's application deadlines for 2026–27?
Early action: November 1, 2026; Priority deadline: February 1, 2027; Regular decision: April 1, 2027. Check Michigan State's admissions site before you apply, as dates can change.
What SAT score do you need for Michigan State?
There is no cutoff. The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1100–1310 on the SAT (Fall 2025), and 51.5% of them sent a score. A score at or above 1310 is in the top quarter of enrolled students.
Where the numbers come from
Sources
- Michigan State University Common Data Set 2025–26
- College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education), IPEDS admissions 2015–2024
- Michigan State first-year admissions, checked October 24, 2026
Odds are estimates from public data, shown as a range. An estimate, not a guarantee.
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