Applying to college is one of the biggest milestones in a student’s life — exciting, nerve-wracking and full of possibility. For many, Michigan State University (MSU) rises to the top of the list with its strong academics, Big Ten spirit and welcoming campus community.
We used the most recent data from business and educational sources like Niche, the U.S. Department of Education and MSU’s enrollment office to put together a full guide to MSU’s 2025 acceptance rate, admissions trends and key statistics to help you plan.
Michigan State University overview
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Founded: 1855
Type: Public Research University
Undergraduate Enrollment: ~39,000 students
Mascot: Sparty the Spartan
Michigan State is one of the biggest and most well-known public universities in the country, and it’s always ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. It has more than 200 academic programs and places a strong emphasis on research, making a difference in the community and coming up with new ideas.
Current acceptance rate (2025)
Acceptance rate: ~84%
Applicants: 62,000+
Admitted Students: ~52,000
Recent admissions reports show that MSU is still moderately selective, with an 84% acceptance rate. This means that most qualified students with good grades and a lot of extracurricular activities have a good chance of getting in.
However, because more people are applying to the university, getting into some competitive colleges, like Eli Broad College of Business, Lyman Briggs College and James Madison College, is more challenging.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
| Metric | Middle 50% Range |
| GPA (unweighted) | 3.6-4.0 |
| SAT (composite) | 1110-1320 |
| ACT (composite) | 24-30 |
Since 2021, MSU has not required students to take standardized tests, so they can choose whether or not to send in their scores. If you do well in honors, AP or IB classes, it can really help your application, especially if you don’t send in test scores.
Key admissions factors
- Academic rigor and GPA carry the most weight in MSU’s holistic review process.
- Essays and personal statements offer a chance to stand out — MSU looks for passion, community engagement and leadership.
- Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
- Extracurriculars and volunteer work are considered valuable indicators of character and commitment.
Student Outcomes and Rankings
| Category | Statistic |
| Freshman retention rate | 91% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 82% |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Average starting salary (post-grad) | ~$56,000 |
Michigan State is always in the top 25 public universities for student satisfaction and success after graduation. The school’s high retention rate shows that it has a supportive academic environment and resources for students.
Tips for future applicants
- Apply early: MSU’s priority deadline (Early Action) increases chances of merit aid consideration.
- Show school spirit: Highlight why MSU is your fit — from research programs to community engagement.
- Balance academics and involvement: A mix of solid grades and leadership roles makes your profile competitive.
- Connect with admissions counselors: MSU offers webinars, campus tours and direct advisor support to help guide applicants.
What students are saying
“Michigan State gave me a sense of belonging from day one. Professors are approachable, and the campus community is so inclusive,” — Current MSU Junior
“I applied test-optional and was still admitted with scholarships. MSU looks at the whole picture, not just your GPA,” — Incoming freshman, Class of 2029
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