Information for counselors

Connect with an MSU admissions counselor

Our admissions counselors are ready to connect with you and answer any questions you or your students may have. To reach out to an MSU admissions counselor, please visit our contact page.

Are you working with a student who is interested in MSU? They can reach out directly to our office or complete our inquiry form.

Admissions review process

The counseling staff in the Office of Admissions evaluates each application for admission on a variety of components, with special emphasis on:

High school preparation

• Strength of high school curriculum (see recommendations below)
• Recalculated GPA using only core academic courses (English, mathematics, physical and biological sciences, social studies and foreign language)
• Academic performance trend beginning in ninth grade
  
  

Test optional

• MSU is test optional, which means that freshman applicants have the option to apply without submitting an ACT or SAT score. Students that would like to submit an ACT or SAT score will be asked to self-report their scores on the application.
• International students are not required to submit an ACT or SAT score, but must still meet English language proficiency requirements.
  
  

Personal information

• Essay
• Activities, leadership evidence, community service and special talents as indicated by the student
• Community impact question: opportunity for students to explain how a community disruption such as COVID-19 and natural disasters have impacted their health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces

Fall 2021 freshman profile*

• High school GPA: 3.5-4.0
• Composite ACT: 23-29
• Total SAT: 1110-1310

*middle 50% of enrolled freshmen

Cost and aid

All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships from MSU. Explore our scholarships and financial aid options that awarded $1.2 billion to students in 2020-21.

In-state freshmen

• Tuition and fees (12-18 credits per semester): $14,914
• Room and board (double room/silver meal plan): $10,676

Total for two semesters: $25,590

Non-Michigan freshmen

• Tuition and fees (12-18 credits per semester): $40,726
• Room and board (double room/silver meal plan): $10,676

Total for two semesters: $51,402

International students may have additional fees and expenses. For more information, review our detailed costs.

Visit options

MSU is now offering in-person campus visits that include a short presentation for prospective first-year students followed by a guided walking tour. For the safety of our guests and tour guides, all campus visitors must follow the campus visitor guidelines. In addition to in-person campus visits, we also offer virtual event options for prospective freshman and transfer students. Explore all these options and more on out visit page.

High school preparation

MSU recommends that students include a majority of core academic courses in their schedules each semester throughout high school, including three such courses each semester during their senior year. In addition, MSU encourages students to select honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses when possible.

Any student considering attending Michigan State as a freshman should pursue a strong college preparatory curriculum. At a minimum, this includes:

• Four years of English (composition and literature)
• Three years of mathematics (two years of algebra, one year of geometry)
• Three years of social studies (history, anthropology, economics, geography, government, political science, psychology or sociology)
• Two years of science (biology, chemistry, physics or earth science)
• Two years of a single foreign language

Applications that are lacking in one of these areas will still be considered; however, a less rigorous curriculum may put these applications at a disadvantage for admission.

Detailed recommendations for students in grades eight through 12 are available in MSU's college planning guide.