Michigan State University is home to one of the biggest and greenest campuses in the United States. Founded in 1855, MSU has spent more than 170 years advancing its land-grant mission as a public research university. International applicants can use the university’s acceptance rate as one factor when assessing how competitive admission may be.
Read on to learn more about Michigan State University!
Michigan State University Acceptance Rate
Michigan State University is known as the nation’s premier land-grant university and one of the top public global research universities. According to College Board BigFuture, the university has an acceptance rate of 84.79%, rounded to 85%, based on 62,138 total applicants and 52,690 admitted students.
Because Michigan State University’s acceptance rate is relatively high, many qualified applicants may have a reasonable chance of admission. However, admission is still competitive and based on factors such as academic performance, curriculum strength, class rank, test scores if submitted, leadership, talents, conduct, and experiences. International students should also review transcript and English language proficiency requirements for their applicant type.
Preparing for Michigan State University
When deciding whether to attend Michigan State University, international students should consider additional factors besides the acceptance rate, such as the application process, tuition fees, and scholarships. Here, we’ll discuss a few of these components:
Admission Requirements
Whether you are a domestic or international applicant, understanding the requirements will help you plan and prepare effectively. MSU states that first-year admission is competitive but has no minimum requirements. Its review considers academic performance, curriculum strength, recent academic trends, class rank, ACT or SAT results if submitted, leadership, talents, conduct, and diverse experiences. International applicants should also review the university’s transcript and English language proficiency instructions before applying.
Tuition Fees
Costs at Michigan State University can be significant for international students, so planning ahead is important. For Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, MSU lists nonresident international undergraduate tuition for 12 to 18 credits at $22,150 per semester for freshmen and sophomores in core/professional units, compared with $8,458 per semester for resident freshmen in core/professional units. Tuition, fees, housing, and other costs can vary by program, class level, credit load, and personal circumstances, so students should check the university’s current tuition and cost information before applying.
Scholarships
Undergraduate and graduate students may find general, donor-funded, departmental, and fellowship opportunities through MSU Scholarships. MSU also lists international scholarships for incoming first-year students with non-U.S. residency status, but awards are limited and meeting the criteria does not guarantee an offer. Graduate students may also explore fellowships and assistantships; assistantships may include a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Students should check MSU Scholarships regularly because opportunities may be recommended at different times throughout the academic year.
Many students choose Michigan State University each year to further their education and careers. The information above can help you better understand the acceptance rate and other factors to consider when applying to MSU. Go after your goals and join MSU.
We hope that this article on Michigan State University’s acceptance rate was informative. If you are interested, check out the Available Courses for International Students and Guide to Studying in the USA!
