Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Springfield, Missouri
91.1% Acceptance Rate
Missouri State University-Springfield — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
91.1%Acceptance Rate
3.73Avg GPA
1119Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$24,022Annual Cost
$49,827Grad Salary
21.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
91.1%
Avg GPA
3.73
Avg SAT
1119
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
990–1220
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Avg Net Price
$17,502
Need-Based Aid
21.3% receive Pell
Missouri State University-Springfield (MO) is a public university with a focus on public affairs. Admissions focus on high school class rank and academic units. They seek students who are prepared to contribute to a large, active campus and who show an interest in service-oriented, leadership, and public engagement initiatives.
Missouri State University-Springfield Acceptance Rate
Missouri State University-Springfield maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 91.1%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 91.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.73 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.53 – 3.72
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.28
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Missouri State University-Springfield Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Missouri State University-Springfield follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of August 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 12 days left — Regular
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Missouri State University-Springfield reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Regular
August 1
Priority
January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (January 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.
Missouri State University-Springfield GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Missouri State University-Springfield is 3.73. Missouri State University-Springfield is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.93-4.13 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.43 and 3.73, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Missouri State University-Springfield GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Missouri State University-Springfield utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.73, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.73 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.53 – 3.72
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.33 – 3.52
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.32
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate ~91% (IPEDS 2024-25: 10,487 of 11,584 admitted); no application fee; test-optional - students with 3.0+ HS GPA receive automatic admission without test scores; below 3.0 uses a GPA/class rank/ACT-SAT selection index.
- Missouri State holds the only legislatively mandated statewide Public Affairs mission among Missouri public universities (SB 340, 1995); pillars are ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement - embedded in graduation requirements across all majors.
- Priority scholarship deadline December 1 (must be admitted first); Annual Scholarship Application due March 1; FAFSA priority deadline February 1; enrollment deposit $150 due May 1. ACT superscores accepted and used for scholarship tier placement even at test-optional.
- West Plains campus (open admission) serves as an accessible entry point for students who don't meet Springfield admission criteria; cooperative transfer program allows a direct path to the Springfield campus after completing 24+ transferable credit hours with a 2.0+ GPA.
- The Rigor Metric: At Missouri State University-Springfield, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Missouri State University-Springfield
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Missouri State University-Springfield'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.
Missouri State University-Springfield Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Missouri State University-Springfield Without SAT or ACT?
Missouri State University-Springfield considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Missouri State University-Springfield Average SAT Score: 1119
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Missouri State University-Springfield is 1119 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1119 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1119 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1220 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Missouri State University-Springfield allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 990, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Missouri State University-Springfield. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 550 | 500 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 555 | 490 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1119 | 990 | 1220 |
It means that if you have scored less than 990 then you are below most of the admitted students at Missouri State University-Springfield and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1220 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Missouri State University-Springfield with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Missouri State University-Springfield are good but the admission staff at Missouri State University-Springfield tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Missouri State University-Springfield ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Missouri State University-Springfield is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Missouri State University-Springfield slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into Missouri State University-Springfield with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Missouri State University-Springfield — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Missouri State University-Springfield use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Missouri State University-Springfield — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Missouri State University-Springfield uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Missouri State University-Springfield
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Missouri State University-Springfield provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Leverage the Automatic Admission Guarantee If Your GPA Is 3.0 or Higher
Missouri State automatically admits any freshman applicant with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher who completes the required core high school curriculum - no ACT or SAT score is needed. For students below 3.0, a selection index combining GPA and class rank percentile determines the minimum test score required. This structure means a student with a strong GPA and weak test scores can simply not submit scores and receive guaranteed admission, while a student with a borderline GPA can compensate with a higher ACT superscore (Missouri State accepts superscores). Apply early - the priority scholarship deadline is December 1 and the school requires admission before competitive scholarship applications open.
Engage the Public Affairs Mission as a Distinguishing Academic Thread
Missouri State is the only public university in the state with a legislatively mandated statewide mission in Public Affairs, established by the Missouri General Assembly in 1995. This mission - built around ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement - shapes graduation requirements and co-curricular expectations across all majors. For students whose application narrative centers on civic engagement, leadership, or community-based work, MSU's Public Affairs mission is a genuinely distinctive hook rather than marketing language. It's worth naming specifically in any scholarship essays or honors college applications as evidence of fit, not just generic institutional enthusiasm.
Apply to the Honors College Early for Access to Competitive Scholarships
Missouri State's Honors College has a separate application process distinct from general undergraduate admission. Competitive merit scholarships tied to academic distinction - including the Dean's Scholarship and academic distinction awards - are available specifically for admitted students who apply before the December 1 priority deadline. Students must be admitted to Missouri State before applying for these competitive awards. The March 1 Annual Scholarship Application is a second, broader scholarship cycle, but the highest awards are concentrated in the December 1 round. Students with strong ACT scores should submit them even if their GPA qualifies them for automatic admission, because test scores directly affect scholarship tier placement.
Know the West Plains Open-Admission Pathway as a Guaranteed Transfer Route
Students who don't meet MSU Springfield's freshman admission requirements aren't simply denied - they're eligible to enroll at Missouri State's open-admission West Plains campus and transfer to the Springfield campus through a cooperative program once they meet transfer criteria (24+ transferable credit hours with a 2.0+ GPA). This is a genuinely useful fallback option for counselors advising students who fall below the selection index, and it preserves the Missouri State degree pathway and financial aid eligibility without requiring the student to attend a different institution entirely.
Expert Insight:
The most common planning failure at Missouri State for scholarship-seeking students is applying late. The priority scholarship deadline is December 1 of the applicant's senior year, and students must be admitted before they can apply for competitive awards - meaning the process is sequential, not simultaneous. Students who apply in January or February for spring financial aid processing are effectively competing for leftover scholarship funds. Because MSU awards scholarships on a rolling basis with no published pool size, early applicants consistently receive larger awards than equally qualified late applicants. Counselors should calendar the December 1 date as aggressively as any selective-admissions school deadline.
Missouri State University-Springfield Profile
Full Name
Missouri State University-Springfield
City
Springfield
State
Missouri
ZIP Code
65897
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Missouri State University-Springfield Degree Worth It?
Getting into Missouri State University-Springfield can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Missouri State University-Springfield offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Missouri State University-Springfield is $56,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.04%.
How much does a degree from Missouri State University-Springfield Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Missouri State University-Springfield is $24,022. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Missouri State University-Springfield is $17,502.
21.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 31.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Missouri State University-Springfield and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Missouri State University-Springfield, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Missouri State University-Springfield as your choice in the form.
How much does a Missouri State University-Springfield Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $49,827. An average Missouri State University-Springfield graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Missouri State University-Springfield. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Missouri State University-Springfield. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Missouri State University-Springfield. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Missouri State University-Springfield
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri State University-Springfield Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $49,827 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24,022 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
21.3% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Missouri State University-Springfield is 91.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.73. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.43, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.43, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.33 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.73, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Missouri State University-Springfield is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1119 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 990–1220.
The application deadline for Missouri State University-Springfield is August 1 for Regular applicants. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is January 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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