
7525, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA


Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation ensures the institution meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education.
The university also holds specialized accreditations for several of its academic programs, demonstrating their adherence to professional and disciplinary standards. These accreditations provide prospective students with an additional measure of program quality and rigor.
For example, the university's engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, affirming the curriculum meets the educational requirements necessary for engineering professionals.
Other accrediting bodies include those overseeing the College of Business, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide. This accreditation highlights the strength of its business education.
Additionally, programs within the College of Education have received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring the preparation of competent and skilled educators.
These accreditations collectively indicate Mississippi State University's commitment to maintaining high academic standards across a breadth of disciplines, offering prospective students confidence in the value and recognition of their degrees.
Mississippi State University requires applicants to have completed a high school education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Additionally, students must provide evidence of their secondary school academic performance, including a transcript. The university also requires a minimum secondary school GPA but does not disclose specific rank criteria. Applicants must have completed a college preparatory program to be eligible for admission.
English proficiency is mandatory for all applicants, as demonstrated by a required TOEFL score. While some recommendations and competency evaluations are encouraged to bolster applications, they are not strictly required. Admission tests beyond TOEFL are not mandated, but submitting other test scores is advised where applicable.
The university does not practice an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit for admissions purposes, though it does offer credit for Advanced Placement exams. A computer or computer lease is not required for the application process.
Regarding standardized testing, Mississippi State University reports that 85% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores, with an average ACT score of 26 placing students in the top 40%. SAT submission is less common, with 6% of students providing SAT results; the average SAT score is 1155, considered average and in the bottom half of the national percentile range. The acceptance rate stands at 76%, reflecting moderately selective admissions metrics.
Mississippi State University requires prospective undergraduate students to pay a nonrefundable application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs of processing applications. The university sets this amount to ensure the application process is accessible while maintaining efficient review procedures.
The university also offers application fee waivers for eligible students. These waivers are typically granted to applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet specific criteria established by the admissions office. By providing fee waivers, Mississippi State University aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage a diverse range of applicants to consider enrollment.
Prospective students seeking a fee waiver usually need to submit appropriate documentation or verify their eligibility according to the guidelines provided on the university's admissions webpage. It is advisable to review these criteria ahead of applying to determine if a waiver can be requested and how to complete that process.
Mississippi State University hosts an ROTC branch unit on campus, providing students with access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs. This presence allows prospective students interested in military leadership and training opportunities to engage directly with ROTC activities as part of their college experience. The on-campus ROTC unit supports the development of future military officers while integrating leadership training with academic pursuits.
Mississippi State University allows transfer students to enroll in all academic terms, including fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. The university accepts transfer credits, facilitating the continuation of previously earned coursework toward degree requirements. Prospective transfer students can submit results from CLEP examinations, both general and subject-specific, as part of their credit evaluation. Additionally, the institution considers recommendations for admission, providing flexibility in the acceptance process.
Mississippi State University offers a range of study abroad programs designed to accommodate diverse academic interests and schedules. These programs include short-term faculty-led trips, which allow students to engage in international learning experiences during the summer or winter breaks. Additionally, the university supports semester-long exchanges and direct enrollment opportunities at partner institutions worldwide, enabling students to immerse themselves in different cultural and educational environments.
Students can choose programs aligned with their major or explore complementary disciplines, enhancing their global perspective and academic portfolio. The university's study abroad office provides guidance and resources to help students identify suitable destinations and programs, ensuring a smooth application process and credit transfer.
The variety of options accommodates students seeking brief international exposure as well as those aiming for more extensive cultural and academic immersion, making it possible for prospective students to tailor their study abroad experience to their individual goals and constraints.
Median composite SAT score
1155Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
85%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
6%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
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
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer