Michigan State University

    East Lansing, MI · Public · Doctoral / R1 research university

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    1180–1360
    Median ~1270
    Acceptance rate
    85%
    Enrollment
    40,922
    ACT middle 50%
    25–31

    How MSU compares

    • The ~1270 SAT midpoint ranks #98 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #1 of 4 in MI.
    • Its 85% acceptance rate is more selective than 19% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Reported section midpoints skew 10 points toward Math (610 Math vs 600 Reading and Writing).
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($67,253) are $4,187 above the $63,066 median across that pool.
    • Out-of-state students pay $27,384 more per year than in-state students ($43,842 vs $16,458).
    National SAT rank
    #98 of 197
    SAT rank in MI
    #1 of 4
    More selective than
    19% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    +$4,187

    What the numbers say about MSU

    • The reported middle 50% spans 180 points, from 1180 to 1360. A planning score near or above 1400 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The reported section midpoints are 600 Reading and Writing and 610 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 85% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 81% completion rate and $67,253 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.
    Understand a 1270 SAT scorePlan for a 1400Verify current admissions policy

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $16,458
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $43,842
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $67,253
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    81%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 1180 and 1360. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1400 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1360 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1270 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 1180 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1360

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    1180–1350

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 1180

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to MSU's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    University of OregonEugene, OR1130–136088%
    Rollins CollegeWinter Park, FL1160–137048%
    George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA1160–136087%
    Bryant UniversitySmithfield, RI1190–133065%
    Mercer UniversityMacon, GA1160–135069%
    State University of New York at New PaltzNew Paltz, NY1170–134062%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for MSU?

    Michigan State University's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 1180–1360, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1400 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is MSU's acceptance rate?

    Michigan State University's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 85%.

    How much does it cost to attend MSU?

    In-state tuition is approximately $16,458 and out-of-state is approximately $43,842. These figures exclude room, board, and fees.

    Is MSU test-optional?

    Many US universities adjusted test policies after 2020. Check Michigan State University's admissions page for current test-optional, test-required, or test-flexible policy.

    Official site: www.msu.edu