Overview
Mississippi State University is a less selective public four-year institution in Mississippi State, Mississippi. The school accepts 75.2% of applicants and enrolls 18,092 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 75.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,175
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,070–1,280
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 25
- Total Enrollment
- 18,092
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Mississippi State operates on rolling admissions, so you can apply anytime before the priority deadline of March 1st for fall enrollment. Submit your application through the Common Application along with official transcripts and test scores. The university requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission consideration.
Engineering programs at Mississippi State are significantly more competitive than general admission. The Bagley College of Engineering has higher academic standards and limited capacity, particularly for aerospace, chemical, and computer engineering majors. Apply early if you're targeting engineering since these programs fill quickly and may close before the general deadline.
Housing applications open in November for the following fall semester. On-campus housing is not guaranteed, and popular residence halls like Rice Hall and McKee Hall fill within days of opening. Submit your housing application immediately after being admitted rather than waiting for final enrollment decisions.
New student orientation happens throughout the summer in two-day sessions. You must attend orientation before your first semester to register for classes, complete placement testing, and set up your student accounts. Register for the earliest orientation session possible to get better class selection.
Mississippi State requires a final transcript showing high school graduation before you can enroll in classes. Submit this transcript by July 1st to avoid enrollment delays. The university also requires proof of immunizations and a tuberculosis screening before move-in.
Greek life dominates social activities at Mississippi State, with about 25% of students joining fraternities or sororities. Rush begins immediately after move-in, so research chapters beforehand if you're interested. Football season drives campus culture from August through November, with game days effectively shutting down normal campus operations.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $15,501/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $9,815
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $26,580
- Students Receiving Aid
- 29%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,513/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 82.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mississippi State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Mississippi State University requires either SAT or ACT scores for freshman admission. The university does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the application deadline for Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State University has rolling admissions with priority deadlines of July 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester. Applications submitted after priority deadlines are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does Mississippi State University offer early admission programs?
Mississippi State University does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are reviewed through the regular rolling admissions process.
What GPA do transfer students need for Mississippi State University?
Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA from all previously attended colleges to be considered for admission to Mississippi State University. Students with fewer than 30 credit hours must also meet freshman admission requirements.