
426 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA


Michigan State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation assures that the university meets established standards for quality in its academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student services. Additionally, several of the university's individual colleges and programs have received specialized accreditations from relevant professional bodies, which further validate the rigor and relevance of specific fields of study. Prospective students can consider these accreditations as indicators that Michigan State University provides an education that meets recognized standards of excellence and is widely accepted by employers and institutions of higher learning.
Admission to Michigan State University requires completion of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Prospective students must have a secondary school GPA, which is explicitly required for application. Although providing secondary school rank and records is recommended, it is not mandatory. The university does not operate an open admission policy, so applicants must meet specific criteria.
Applicants must submit test scores including the TOEFL for non-native English speakers, ensuring language proficiency. While admission test scores such as SAT or ACT are data not available for requirement purposes, the university reports an average SAT score of 1210 and an average ACT score of 26 among enrolled students, positioning admitted applicants in roughly the top 40% nationally.
Michigan State University expects applicants to have completed a college preparatory program in high school. Recommendations and other tests are not required or data is unavailable. Although dual credit and credit options for concurrent enrollment are not offered, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, which can contribute toward undergraduate academic credit.
Applicants must have access to a computer, with the option for computer lease arrangements available. Competencies related to academic and personal skills are recommended but not compulsory as part of the admission process.
Michigan State University requires an application fee from prospective students, which helps cover the processing costs associated with admissions. This fee is mandatory for all applicants unless they qualify for a fee waiver.
Fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial hardship or meet specific eligibility criteria established by the university. These waivers aim to remove financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent qualified candidates from applying.
Students seeking a fee waiver must provide appropriate documentation or proof of eligibility during the application process. The university evaluates these requests on a case-by-case basis to ensure fair access to prospective applicants.
By offering fee waivers, Michigan State University ensures a more inclusive application process, supporting those who might face economic challenges while pursuing higher education.
Information regarding Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs at Michigan State University is not available. Prospective students considering ROTC opportunities should seek details directly from the university or affiliated military educational programs.
Michigan State University admits transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms, providing multiple entry points throughout the year. Transfer applicants face a moderately difficult admissions process, indicating that meeting academic standards is important but not excessively stringent.
The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through standardized testing such as CLEP Subject, CLEP General, and DANTES exams, which can facilitate a smoother transition for students aiming to transfer previously earned credits. Recommendations from previous institutions or instructors are also considered as part of the evaluation process, further supporting transfer applicants.
Michigan State University offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' global perspectives and academic experiences. These programs range from short-term faculty-led trips and summer sessions to semester-long and full academic year exchanges, providing flexibility to accommodate various academic schedules and interests.
The university features partnerships with numerous institutions worldwide, enabling students to study in over 90 countries across multiple continents. Programs cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, allowing participants to pursue courses that align closely with their majors or personal interests while earning transferable credits.
In addition to traditional coursework, some programs emphasize experiential learning through internships, service learning, and cultural immersion activities. This hands-on approach aims to deepen students' understanding of global issues and enhance their professional skills in an international context.
Students can also benefit from specialized programs focused on language acquisition, research projects, and sustainability studies. These options often include support such as pre-departure orientations and on-site assistance to help students navigate cultural adjustments and academic expectations abroad.
Michigan State University's study abroad initiatives are designed to foster cross-cultural competence and global citizenship, encouraging students to gain critical insights that complement their academic growth and future career aspirations.
Median composite SAT score
1210Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
8%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
52%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RecommendedCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer