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Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University (MSU) is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Established in 1855, it is one of the largest universities in the United States with a massive campus spread over 5,200 acres. MSU is renowned for its academic excellence, extensive research opportunities, and vibrant campus life. With over 200 undergraduate degree programs and 140 master's and doctoral degree programs, the university offers a wide range of disciplines to its diverse student body of more than 50,000 students.
As a leading research institution, Michigan State University is known for its pioneering work in various fields. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions for research expenditure, investing millions of dollars in groundbreaking projects. MSU is particularly renowned for its programs in agriculture, engineering, business, communications, and social sciences. The university's faculty includes esteemed scholars and experts who contribute to expanding knowledge and making a significant impact in academia and society.
Beyond academics, Michigan State University provides a vibrant and inclusive campus experience. The university offers an array of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that cater to various interests and passions. With numerous sports teams competing at the Division I level, MSU's athletic program, the Spartans, is highly regarded and fosters a strong sense of school spirit. Additionally, the university prides itself on its commitment to community service and engagement, encouraging students to contribute to local and global issues through various volunteer programs and initiatives.
In summary, Michigan State University is a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence, world-class research programs, and vibrant campus life. With its diverse range of degree programs and extensive resources, MSU aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience to its students. Whether through academic achievements, research breakthroughs, or community service, Spartans are well-equipped to succeed and make a positive impact on the world.
Michigan State University is a public university located in East Lansing, MI and set in a suburban environment. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 87%. The freshman retention rate at Michigan State University is 91.4% and the six-year graduation rate is 83%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is April 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is May 1.
Find out more about what you can expect if you get into Michigan State University.
Quick Facts
40,483
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
87%
Acceptance Rate
17:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
83%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
In order to improve your chances of getting admitted, you need to know as much as possible about the university's criteria for admission. How difficult is it to get admitted to Michigan State University and what are the admission requirements?
According to the most recent information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 49,414 in 2024. Michigan State University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the student. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
54.8% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 8.8% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 10.18% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 40.95% between 1,200 and 1,399, 38.38% between 1,000 and 1,199, 9.99% of the students between 800 and 999, and 0.51% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 29.58, 49.45 between 24-29, 17.21 in the range between 18-23, and 3.76 between 12-17.
The average ACT score for all the admitted students in 2024 was 27 and the average GPA was 3.8. Accordingly, you'll probably need an above-average GPA in order to be granted acceptance, as well as an above-average ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 610 and an average SAT Math score of 610.
Deadlines
The application deadline for Michigan State University is April 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is May 1.
87%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Michigan State University was 91.4%, which is an excellent retention rate only the most prestigious institutions have.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year completion rate at this institution is 83%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Choosing a school that is the best fit for you is not a simple task. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by getting to know more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Michigan State University in 2024 was 51,316.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 16% for that year. There was a total of 40,483 undergrad students, including 2,174 international students. 1,546 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 21,828 male and 24,087 female full-time students in 2024. There were 3,709 full-time graduate male and 4,601 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 3,213, and the number of African American students was 2,619. 2,512 undergraduates at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 1,756 identified with more than one race. The school also had 25 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 109 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 806 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to consider before applying to any college or university. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Michigan State University estimated tuition costs.
For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $44,838. Tuition costs at Michigan State University for international students were $44,838. Fees per academic year required of full-time students amounted to $340 in 2024.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $44,838 | $340 | $45,178 |
| In-State | $18,486 | $340 | $18,826 |
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university. The estimated cost of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $1,380.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. How much do room and board fees average around at colleges and universities?
In 2024, room and board cost at Michigan State University amounted to $11,754 a year. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 came to $4,854 for one academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $5,188.
| Tuition | $ 18,486 |
| Room and Board | $ 11,754 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,380 |
| Total Expense | $ 31,620 |
Financial Aid
Financial help for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. If you wish to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Michigan State University, here are some recent data you should consider.
The most recent records show that 4,388 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $15,388.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
11,671 students were granted some form of need-based financial aid. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 15,903. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $45,564,724, and state $17,722,320.
$5,884
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 11,852 students overall (including freshmen) at Michigan State University in 2024. 3,625 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $45,564,724 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $4,110,137. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $117,528,803. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $25,020,929 USD.
Majors
Faculty
17:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
In 2024, this ratio at Michigan State University was 17:1. That means that there were 17 times more students than teachers at this school. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 3,016. This number included 1,614 male and 1,402 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Michigan State University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some details about social life at Michigan State University.
It has a campus size of 5,192 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
There are 700 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. That includes sororities and fraternities. The percentage of male students who are members of organizations is 12 and female students 11. Those who like music can join the Michigan State University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a passion for media and communication? Michigan State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Michigan State University, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Michigan State University.
All in all, campus life at Michigan State University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Michigan State University.
Career Counselling
At Michigan State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent reported acceptance rate for Michigan State University is 87%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Michigan State University is 91.4%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.