Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Mississippi State, Mississippi
76.3% Acceptance Rate
Mississippi State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
76.3%Acceptance Rate
3.58Avg GPA
1220Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$26,922Annual Cost
$51,513Grad Salary
28.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
76.3%
Avg GPA
3.58
Avg SAT
1220
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1110–1410
ACT Middle 50%
21–29
Avg Net Price
$15,501
Need-Based Aid
28.6% receive Pell
Mississippi State University is a major public land-grant research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university fosters a dynamic campus community that encourages research, leadership, and professional preparation. Its reputation for practical, high-impact education makes it a top-tier choice for students seeking a transformative and world-class degree.
Mississippi State University Acceptance Rate
Mississippi State University runs an open-access admission policy. With a 76.3% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 76.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.13
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Mississippi State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Mississippi State University is December 15 for Spring applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 125 days left — Spring
Spring
December 15
Fall Priority
April 1
Fall Final
August 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Mississippi State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Mississippi State University is 3.58. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.28 and 3.58? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.78–3.98.Mississippi State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.18 – 3.37
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.17
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Mississippi residents completing the required College Preparatory Curriculum with a 3.20+ GPA receive automatic full admission
- Non-resident applicants are reviewed holistically on curriculum rigor and academic performance
- Test-optional; no essay or recommendation letters required for general admission (Honors College and some scholarships require an essay); no application fee
- Rolling admissions; decisions typically arrive 2?3 weeks after a complete application
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Mississippi State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Mississippi State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Mississippi State University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Mississippi State University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Mississippi State University Without SAT or ACT?
Mississippi State University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Mississippi State University Average SAT Score: 1220
The average SAT score of admitted students at Mississippi State University is 1220 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1220 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1410 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Mississippi State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1110, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Mississippi State University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 630 | 540 | 720 |
| SAT Reading | 630 | 570 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1220 | 1110 | 1410 |
Below 1110, you're behind most admitted students; at 1410 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Mississippi State University with a 1400 SAT?
A 1400 SAT puts you ahead of most of Mississippi State University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Mississippi State University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Mississippi State University is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 27 |
| ACT English | 26 | 21 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 29 |
Can I get into Mississippi State University with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Mississippi State University's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Mississippi State University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Mississippi State University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into Mississippi State University isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Mississippi residents: verify your CPC completion and GPA
Completing the state's College Preparatory Curriculum with a 3.20+ GPA triggers automatic full admission. Confirm CPC completion with your counselor well before applying - missing a required course can bump you into holistic review even as a resident.
Non-residents: make coursework rigor visible, not just your GPA
Your file is reviewed holistically on curriculum rigor and academic performance rather than a formula. Highlight AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses clearly rather than assuming a raw GPA carries the file.
Save real essay effort for the Honors College, not general admission
General admission needs no essay and no application fee - don't let that low bar cause you to under-prepare for the Honors College, which does require a genuine essay.
Submit strong test scores even though they're optional
84% of admitted students submitted ACT scores despite the test-optional policy. A strong submitted score still meaningfully differentiates your file in a pool where most applicants are including theirs.
Expert Insight:
Some in-state applicants assume any GPA above 3.0 guarantees admission - but the automatic-admission rule is specifically tied to completing the state's College Preparatory Curriculum at 3.20+ GPA. Skipping required CPC courses can route even a strong in-state GPA into holistic review instead.
Mississippi State University Profile
Full Name
Mississippi State University
City
Mississippi State
State
Mississippi
ZIP Code
39762
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Mississippi State University Degree Worth It?
At $26,922/year against a $51,513 median graduate salary, Mississippi State University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $46,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.3%.
How much does a degree from Mississippi State University Cost?
The sticker price is $26,922/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $15,501.
28.6% of students receive a Pell Grant and 39.2% take federal loans at Mississippi State University. File your FAFSA early and list Mississippi State University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Mississippi State University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $51,513. That's about 27% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Mississippi State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Howard University | Washington, DC | 1205 | 25 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Mississippi State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Mississippi State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at Mississippi State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi State University Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Mississippi State University run about $51,513 a year.
At about $26,922 a year, Mississippi State University is on the more affordable end.
About 28.6% receive a Pell Grant at Mississippi State University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 76.3%, Mississippi State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Mississippi State University average a 3.58 GPA.
Mississippi State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.28 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.18, Mississippi State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Mississippi State University — aim above 1220, ideally within the 1110–1410 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Mississippi State University is December 15 for Spring applicants.
The application fee is 40. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 15, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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