Counselor information

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 take honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses when possible.

Any student considering attending Michigan State as a first-year student 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.

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

High school preparation

• Strength of high school curriculum (see recommendations above)
• 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 who would like to submit an ACT or SAT score will be asked to self-report their scores on the application. Admitted students who chose to apply with self-reported test scores will be required to provide official test results to the university.
• 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 provide additional information not reflected in the application, including explaining how individual, family or community disruptions (such as COVID-19 and natural disasters) have affected their academic records or educational experiences

Official transcripts

• Official transcripts must be sent directly from the high school to MSU, either through U.S. mail or the following online services.

All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships from MSU. From 2021-22, $2.2 billion was offered in financial aid to students. Explore our scholarships and financial aid options. The Office of Financial Aid also has sample budgets and cost calculators to help students estimate costs.

In-state first-year students

• Tuition and fees (12-18 credits per semester): $16,526
• Food and housing (double room/silver meal plan): $12,564
• Total for two semesters: $29,090

See detailed cost breakdown

Out-of-state first-year students

• Tuition and fees (12-18 credits per semester): $43,910
• Food and housing (double room/silver meal plan): $12,564
• Total for two semesters: $56,474

See detailed cost breakdown

International first-year students

The totals below reflect expenses included in the undergraduate financial proof requirements for MSU to issue an I-20. The cost for room and board includes the three weeks between fall and spring semesters.

• Tuition and fees (12-18 credits per semester): $45,410
• Food and housing (double room/silver meal plan): $13,079
• Books and supplies: $1,380
• Personal/miscellaneous: $3,838
• Medical: $2,800
• Total for two semesters: $66,507

See detailed cost breakdown

The College of Music and the Broad College of Business have additional review processes for prospective first-year students.

Broad College of Business

First-year business applicants are first reviewed by the Office of Admissions for admissibility to the university. Then they are reviewed by the Broad College of Business for direct admission to the College of Business. During this time, the student's major will appear as business preference in their account (no additional action is required).

The Broad College of Business has a competitive admission program with limited space for direct admission. There are two pathways for admission:

1. direct admission from high school
2. secondary admission for current MSU students

College of Music

Applicants to the MSU College of Music must also complete the College of Music supplemental application by Dec. 1. During this time, the student's major will appear as music preference in their account. To be considered for admission into the College of Music, candidates must:

1. submit the College of Music supplemental application by Dec. 1;
2. submit required supporting documents;
3. complete a successful audition.