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Michigan State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as Michigan State, MSU

Michigan State University accepts 85% of applicants. It is a public university in East Lansing, Michigan, with about 40,922 undergraduates. The sticker price is $30,184 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $21,322.

85%Acceptance rate

1180–1360Middle 50% SAT

25–31Middle 50% ACT

$21,322Average cost after aid / year

80%Graduation rate

$61,149Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Michigan State?

Admitly estimates a typical Michigan resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.6 for admission to be likely (80%+).

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Michigan State University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1210, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPA	Michigan resident	Out-of-state
2.5	47% Target	21% Reach
2.7	47% Target	21% Reach
3.0	47% Target	21% Reach
3.3	63% Target	33% Target
3.5	76% Target	48% Target
3.7	85% Likely	63% Target
3.9	92% Likely	76% Target
4.0	94% Likely	82% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Michigan State University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $30,184 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family income	In-state	Out-of-state
Under $50k	$11,700	$35,000
$50k – $100k	$14,300	$37,600
$100k – $150k	$22,100	$45,400
$150k – $250k	$30,184	$56,100
Over $250k	$30,184	$57,568

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

80%Finish their degree

90%Return for second year

$61,149Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Michigan State University

What is the acceptance rate at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University admits 85% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Michigan State University?

Admitly estimates a typical Michigan resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.6 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Michigan State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1180–1360 on the SAT and 25–31 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Michigan State University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $30,184 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $21,322 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $11,700 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Michigan State University?

80% of students finish their degree, and 90% return for a second year.

Colleges similar to Michigan State University

Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI · admits 85%
Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI · admits 81%
University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI · admits 16%
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CA · admits 85%
Ohio UniversityAthens, OH · admits 85%
University of CincinnatiCincinnati, OH · admits 85%