Michigan State University
PublicEast Lansing, MI
Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, the first U.S. institution to teach scientific agriculture. Following passage of the federal Morrill Act in 1862, MSU became the nation's pioneer land-grant university and the model for the land-grant system later adopted nationwide. It was founded to provide practical, accessible education regardless of social class.
Admissions
Cost & outcomes
From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.
Where do you stand against Michigan State University's numbers?
Check your chances hereSee full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what Michigan State University weighs in your application
Paying it back
"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.
Majors & earnings
Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.
Campus life
Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.
What matters in your application
From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is Michigan State University's acceptance rate?
Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI admits approximately 85% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.
What SAT score do I need for Michigan State University?
Admitted students at Michigan State University typically score between 1180–1360 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).
What ACT score do I need for Michigan State University?
Admitted students at Michigan State University typically score between 25–31 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).
How much does Michigan State University cost?
Michigan State University's total cost of attendance is reported at $32,198 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.
When is the application deadline for Michigan State University?
Michigan State University's earliest deadline is Nov 1, 2026 (EA), per its own published admissions calendar.
Does Michigan State University require students to live on campus?
No -- Michigan State University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.
Related reading
Comparing Michigan State University against another school?
Open the comparison view