Admission & test scores

Michigan State University SAT scores and acceptance rate

Admitted students scored 1180–1360 on the SAT, with an ACT midpoint of 26. Michigan State University admits 85% of applicants — largely open. 90% of first-year students return for a second year.

SAT range1180–1360middle half of admits
ACT midpoint26admitted students
Acceptance rate85%largely open
First-year retention90%return for year two

Reading the score band These are the scores admitted students had — not a cut-off.

25th percentile
1180
Average
1269
75th percentile
1360

A quarter of admitted students scored below 1180 and a quarter above 1360. Being under the lower figure does not rule you out — it means the rest of the application has to carry more weight — and being above the upper one does not secure a place at a selective university. This intake sits inside a student body of about 40,922.

Universities with similar scores Useful for building a realistic application list.

UniversityAvg SATACTAcceptanceIn-state tuition
University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida 1269 28 40% $6,368
Florida Polytechnic University Lakeland, Florida 1268 29 58% $4,940
Mercer University Macon, Georgia 1271 30 69% $42,312
Rollins College Winter Park, Florida 1271 — 48% $60,580
Pace University New York, New York 1266 26 76% $53,290
University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia 1272 29 80% $14,640

Getting in is the first question, not the last

Admission data says nothing about what the degree costs or returns. Before accepting an offer, read the net price for your family's income and the earnings of previous graduates — a place at a selective university financed with heavy borrowing can be a worse outcome than a place at a less selective one that costs little.

Michigan State University admission: common questions

What SAT score do you need for Michigan State University?
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1180 and 1360 on the SAT, with an average of 1269. A score inside that band is competitive; below it you would be relying on the rest of the application.
What ACT score does Michigan State University require?
The ACT midpoint of admitted students is 26.
How hard is it to get into Michigan State University?
Michigan State University admits 85% of applicants, which is largely open. Of those who enrol, 90% return for a second year.
Does Michigan State University require SAT or ACT scores?
This page reports what admitted students scored, not what the university requires. Many US universities went test-optional and have not returned to a requirement — always check the admissions page before deciding to skip a test.
What it costs Student loan record Debt vs graduate salary Highest SAT universities Highest acceptance rates SAT & ACT preparation

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — SAT/ACT scores of admitted students, acceptance rate and first-year retention as most recently published. Scores describe past intakes and are not an entry requirement.