Mississippi State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes

Mississippi State University is a public institution located in Mississippi State, Mississippi. For the most recent reporting cycle, Mississippi State University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 78%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT of 1200 and an ACT composite around 26. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $17,595 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.

What GPA does my child need for Mississippi State University?

51% of enrolled students at Mississippi State University had a high school GPA of 3.75 or above, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.

What does Mississippi State University weight in admissions?

Mississippi State University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2024-2025). What the weights mean

SAT and ACT scores Mississippi State University typically admits

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 540–680, with an EBRW midpoint near 580. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 21–29. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.

How much does Mississippi State University actually cost?

Published tuition is $10,202 for in-state students and $27,637 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $12,902 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $17,595 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 29% of students receive Pell Grants.

Application deadlines and early decision data for Mississippi State University

Will my child graduate from Mississippi State University?

These predict outcomes at Mississippi State University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates

Most popular majors at Mississippi State University

The most popular undergraduate programs at Mississippi State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Business Administration, Management and Operations, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. Across all programs, Mississippi State University confers roughly 1,781 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Business Administration, Management and Operations program report a median income of about $54,081 five years after entering college. What these figures mean

Is Mississippi State University safe? Campus crime & safety

In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Mississippi State University disclosed 21 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 1.1 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 0 violent offenses and 16 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts

What is campus life like at Mississippi State University?

About 28% of undergraduates at Mississippi State University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. In Greek life, 34% of men join a fraternity and 43% of women join a sorority. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.

Other colleges in Mississippi parents ask about

• University of Mississippi
  97% acceptance

Colleges that admit at a similar rate

• Oregon State University
  77% acceptance · Oregon
• Jacksonville State University
  78% acceptance · Alabama
• Willamette University
  77% acceptance · Oregon
• University of Denver
  78% acceptance · Colorado
• Seattle University
  77% acceptance · Washington
• Pacific Lutheran University
  78% acceptance · Washington
• University of North Dakota
  77% acceptance · North Dakota

Common questions parents ask about Mississippi State University