First-year deadlines, 2026–27
| Plan | Deadline | Decision by |
|---|---|---|
| Early action Apply early, hear early, not binding. | November 1, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
| Priority deadline Apply by this date for the best chance at aid or a place; later applications may still be read. | February 1, 2027 | March 31, 2027 |
| Regular decision The standard deadline, with answers in spring. Not binding. | April 1, 2027 |
Plans are listed in calendar order. What the plans mean
Source: admissions.msu.edu · checked September 26, 2026
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price after grants, in-state students, by family income
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, College Scorecard · data snapshot October 2, 2026
AP credit
Most-taken exams, lowest score that earns credit| Exam | Min score | Michigan State University course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB | 4 | 3 MTH 132 (3) Satisfies Mathematics | |
| Calculus BC | 3 | 7 MTH 132 (3), MTH 133 (4) Satisfies Mathematics | |
| Macroeconomics | 4 | 3 EC 202 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| Microeconomics | 4 | 3 EC 201 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| World History: Modern | 3 | 8 HST 140 (4), HST 150 (4) Satisfies Integrative…8 HST 140 (4), HST 150 (4) Satisfies Integrative Arts & Humanities: IAH 211 and higher | |
| European History | 3 | 8 HST 205 (4), HST 206 (4) Satisfies Integrative…8 HST 205 (4), HST 206 (4) Satisfies Integrative Arts & Humanities: IAH 211 and higher | |
| Computer Science Principles | 1 | 3 CSE GCU (3) | |
| 3 | 3 | GRM 201 (3) |
Show all 42 exams and every score level
| Exam | Min score | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB | 4 | 3 MTH 132 (3) Satisfies Mathematics | |
| Calculus BC | 3 | 7 MTH 132 (3), MTH 133 (4) Satisfies Mathematics | |
| Macroeconomics | 4 | 3 EC 202 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| Microeconomics | 4 | 3 EC 201 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| World History: Modern | 3 | 8 HST 140 (4), HST 150 (4) Satisfies Integrative…8 HST 140 (4), HST 150 (4) Satisfies Integrative Arts & Humanities: IAH 211 and higher | |
| European History | 3 | 8 HST 205 (4), HST 206 (4) Satisfies Integrative…8 HST 205 (4), HST 206 (4) Satisfies Integrative Arts & Humanities: IAH 211 and higher | |
| Computer Science Principles | 1 | 3 CSE GCU (3) | |
| 3 | 3 | GRM 201 (3) | |
| 3 | 4 | FRN 202 (4) | |
| 3 | 4 | ITL 201 (4) | |
| 3 | 4 | LTN 102 (4) | |
| 3 | 4 | SPN 202 (4) | |
| 3 | 5 | CEM 141 (4), CEM 161 (1) Satisfies Integrative…CEM 141 (4), CEM 161 (1) Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Physical Sciences Partially Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences laboratory experience: 1 credit (2 credits required) | |
| 3 | 5 | CHS 102 (5) | |
| 3 | 5 | JPN 102 (5) | |
| African American Studies Exam 10 | 3 | 3 AAAS 100 (3) | |
| Art History Exam 13 | 4 | 8 HA 101 (3), HA 102 (3), HA GCU (2) Satisfies…8 HA 101 (3), HA 102 (3), HA GCU (2) Satisfies Integrative Arts & Humanities: IAH 211 and higher | |
| Art – Studio – 2-D Design Exam 15 | 4 | 3 STA 113 (3) | |
| Art – Studio – 3-D Design Exam 16 | 4 | 3 STA 114 (3) | |
| Art – Studio – Drawing Exam 14 | 4 | 3 STA 110 (3) | |
| Biology Exam 20 | 4 | 8 BS 161 (3), BS 162 (3), BS GCU (2) and waive BS…8 BS 161 (3), BS 162 (3), BS GCU (2) and waive BS 171, BS 172 Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Biological Sciences | |
| Business with Personal Finance Exam 21 | 3 | 3 HDFS 238 (3) | |
| Calculus Sub grade Exam 69 | 1 | No credit or waiver | |
| Capstone Research Exam 23 | 4 | 4 WRA 101 (4) Satisfies Tier I Writing | |
| Capstone Seminar Exam 22 | 1 | No credit or waiver | |
| Chemistry Exam 25 | 4 | 9 CEM 151 (4), CEM 152 (4), CEM 161 (1) Satisfies…9 CEM 151 (4), CEM 152 (4), CEM 161 (1) Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Physical Sciences Partially Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences laboratory experience: 1 credit (2 credits required) | |
| Chinese Language and Culture Exam 28 | 5 | 15 CHS 102 (5), CHS 201 (5), CHS 202 (5) | |
| Comparative Government and Politics | 4 | 3 PLS 140 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social…3 PLS 140 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| Computer Science A Exam 31 | 4 | 4 CSE 231 (4) | |
| Cybersecurity Exam 24 | 3 | ||
| English Language and Composition† Exam 36 and/or English Literature and Composition† Exam 37 | 4 | 4 WRA 101 (4) Satisfies Tier I Writing | |
| Environmental Science Exam 40 | 1 | No credit or waiver | |
| Environmental Science Exam 40 | 4 | 4 ISB 202 (3), ISB LAB (1) Satisfies Integrative…4 ISB 202 (3), ISB LAB (1) Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Biological Sciences Partially Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences laboratory experience: 1 credit (2 credits required) | |
| French Language and Culture Exam 48 | 5 | 11 FRN 201 (4), FRN 202 (4), FRN 310 (3) | |
| German Language and Culture Exam 55 | 5 | 12 GRM 101 (3), GRM 102 (3), GRM 201 (3), GRM 202 (3) | |
| Government and Politics – United States Exam 57 | 4 | 3 PLS 100 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social…3 PLS 100 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| Human Geography Exam 53 | 4 | 3 GEO 151 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social…3 GEO 151 (3) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| Italian Language and Culture Exam 62 | 5 | 12 ITL 102 (4), ITL 201 (4), ITL 202 (4) | |
| Japanese Language and Culture Exam 64 | 5 | 15 JPN 102 (5), JPN 201 (5), JPN 202 (5) | |
| Latin | 5 | 11 LTN 101 (4), LTN 102 (4), LTN 206 (3) | |
| Music Theory Exam 75 | 1 | No credit or waiver | |
| Physics 1 Exam 83 | 4 | 3 PHY 231 (3) Satisfies Integrative Biological…3 PHY 231 (3) Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Physical Sciences | |
| Physics 2 Exam 84 | 4 | 3 PHY 232 (3) Satisfies Integrative Biological…3 PHY 232 (3) Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Physical Sciences | |
| Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 | 4 PHY 184 (4) Satisfies Integrative Biological…4 PHY 184 (4) Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Physical Sciences | |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 4 | 4 PHY 183 (4) Satisfies Integrative Biological…4 PHY 183 (4) Satisfies Integrative Biological and Physical Sciences: Physical Sciences | |
| Precalculus | 4 | 5 MTH 116 (5) Satisfies Mathematics | |
| Psychology Exam 85 | 4 | 4 PSY 101 (4) Satisfies Integrative Social…4 PSY 101 (4) Satisfies Integrative Social Science: 200-level | |
| Spanish Language and Culture Exam 87 or Spanish Literature and Culture Exam 89 | 5 | 11 SPN 201 (4), SPN 202 (4), SPN 310 (3) Note…11 SPN 201 (4), SPN 202 (4), SPN 310 (3) Note: credit is only awarded once if both tests are taken | |
| Statistics Exam 90 | 4 | 4 STT 200 (4) Satisfies Mathematics | |
| US History† Exam 07 | 3 | 8 HST 202 (4), HST 203 (4) Satisfies Integrative…8 HST 202 (4), HST 203 (4) Satisfies Integrative Arts & Humanities: IAH 211 and higher |
Source: transfercredit.msu.edu · checked September 19, 2026
Biggest majors
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences | 580 |
| Psychology | 486 |
| Advertising | 449 |
| Finance | 398 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 369 |
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management | 342 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 297 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 262 |
Show the other 119 majors
| Marketing/Marketing Management | 257 |
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 207 |
| Neuroscience | 199 |
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration | 195 |
| Economics | 188 |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 182 |
| Packaging Science | 154 |
| Accounting | 153 |
| Animal Sciences | 133 |
| Political Science and Government | 126 |
| Sociology | 112 |
| Pre-Law Studies | 111 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 105 |
| International Relations and Affairs | 98 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | 98 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | 98 |
| Business Administration and Management | 96 |
| Engineering | 88 |
| Civil Engineering | 87 |
| Journalism | 86 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 82 |
| Environmental Studies | 80 |
| Education | 78 |
| Social Sciences | 76 |
| Molecular Genetics | 75 |
| Human Resources Management and Services, Other | 75 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist | 71 |
| English Language and Literature | 70 |
| Family and Community Services | 66 |
| Chemical Engineering | 63 |
| Mathematics | 63 |
| Physiology | 62 |
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 59 |
| Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management | 59 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | 57 |
| Computational Science | 57 |
| Mass Communication/Media Studies | 54 |
| Digital Arts | 53 |
| Social Work | 51 |
| Communication Sciences and Disorders | 51 |
| International/Globalization Studies | 50 |
| Engineering, Other | 48 |
| Environmental Biology | 48 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities | 47 |
| Computer Engineering | 46 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 44 |
| Microbiology | 44 |
| Physics | 43 |
| History | 42 |
| Sustainability Studies | 40 |
| Agricultural Engineering | 40 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 40 |
| Biochemistry | 39 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 39 |
| Graphic Design | 38 |
| Dietetics/Dietitian | 36 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 33 |
| Information Technology Project Management | 33 |
| Chemistry | 32 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | 31 |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies | 29 |
| Music Performance | 28 |
| Astrophysics | 28 |
| Horticultural Science | 27 |
| Actuarial Science | 26 |
| Soil Science and Agronomy | 25 |
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts | 25 |
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration | 24 |
| Statistics | 24 |
| Anthropology | 22 |
| Food Science | 20 |
| Environmental/Natural Resource Economics | 20 |
| Fine/Studio Arts | 19 |
| Interior Design | 19 |
| Forestry | 19 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant | 17 |
| Linguistics | 16 |
| Communication | 16 |
| Fashion/Apparel Design | 16 |
| Public Policy Analysis | 15 |
| Spanish Language and Literature | 15 |
| Materials Engineering | 15 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management | 14 |
| Music Pedagogy | 14 |
| Art Teacher Education | 13 |
| History Teacher Education | 12 |
| Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing | 11 |
| Geology/Earth Science | 10 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 10 |
| Film/Cinema/Media Studies | 10 |
| Geography | 10 |
| Jazz/Jazz Studies | 9 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | 8 |
| Economics, Other | 7 |
| Botany/Plant Biology | 7 |
| Environmental Science | 6 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education | 6 |
| Chinese Language and Literature | 6 |
| Japanese Language and Literature | 6 |
| French Language and Literature | 6 |
| Entomology | 6 |
| Computational Mathematics | 6 |
| Women's Studies | 5 |
| Child Development | 5 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography | 5 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation | 5 |
| Science, Technology and Society | 4 |
| German Language and Literature | 4 |
| Music | 3 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 2 |
| Russian Language and Literature | 2 |
| Pre-Veterinary Studies | 2 |
| Chemical Physics | 1 |
| Religion/Religious Studies | 1 |
| Philosophy | 1 |
| Child Care Provider/Assistant | 1 |
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching | 1 |
| Communications Technology/Technician | 1 |
| African-American/Black Studies | 1 |
Bachelor’s graduates, first major, most recent year · Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, IPEDS · data snapshot October 2, 2026
Ranked programs
Where Michigan State University ranks in the top 25 on our top-programs lists, best rank first. How we rank programs
- #9 for Hospitality managementof 50 colleges
- #12 for Human resourcesof 50 colleges
- #12 for Medical laboratory scienceof 50 colleges
- #13 for Wildlife biologyof 50 colleges
- #20 for Microbiology and immunologyof 50 colleges
- #22 for Marketingof 50 colleges
Sports and campus life
Men’s varsity · NCAA Division I, Big Ten
Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Wrestling
Women’s varsity · NCAA Division I, Big Ten
Basketball, Field Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Volleyball
ROTC
Air Force, Army
Faith groups
Cru, Hillel, InterVarsity, Newman Connection
Also
Esports, Study abroad
Greek life
12% of men in fraternities · 13% of women in sororities · 13% of undergraduates overall (Common Data Set 2023–24)
Sources: U.S. Dept. of Education athletics data (EADA), Common Data Set (Greek life), intervarsity.org · checked September 4, 2026 · data snapshot October 2, 2026
The place
Setting
City, small
Federal locale classification
Metro area
Lansing-East Lansing, MI
479,971 people
Big-city metro (1 million+)
No
More about the place
Nearest airport
Capital Region International (LAN)
Nearest hub airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW)
Walkability
EPA walkability index 10.5 of 20
Elevation
852 ft
Time zone
Eastern
January low
18°F
July high
83°F
Annual snowfall
36.0 in
Days at 90°F or higher
9 per year
One-bedroom fair market rent
$1,210 per month
Sources: U.S. Dept. of Education (IPEDS locale), U.S. Census metro estimates, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, EPA walkability · data snapshot October 2, 2026
Colleges nearby
- Great Lakes Christian College8 mi
- Baker College23 mi
- The University of Olivet30 mi
- Albion College36 mi
- Spring Arbor University37 mi
- Kettering University43 mi
Straight-line distance between campuses
Similar colleges
Public, city campus, NCAA Division I, similar size
- Purdue University-Main Campus39,864 students
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities39,556 students
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus39,515 students
- University of Arizona41,899 students
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus42,223 students
- The University of Texas at Austin42,444 students