Public

Large

Southeastern Conference

Mississippi State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1100 to 1340

ACT Range21 to 29

Average GPA3.60

Acceptance Rate77.6%

Mississippi State admits many applicants, but it is not a test-optional safety: 85% submit ACT scores and the middle range runs 21 to 29. Aim for the upper half of that range, around a 25+ ACT, especially if your GPA is near the 3.6 average.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Mississippi State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Mississippi State University enrolls 18,567 undergraduates in Mississippi State, Mississippi. Mississippi State has an 83% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 63%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Mississippi State is test-required for admissions.

Location

Mississippi State, MS

Undergrad Enrollment18,567

Freshman Retention83%

SettingN/A

Student to Faculty Ratio16:1

Graduation Rate63%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Mississippi State?

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Key Mississippi State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, since Mississippi State requires test scores. Use the summer before senior year and fall for superscore-focused retakes, with December as the last retake that should arrive before the March 1 financial aid priority deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Mississippi State is a public Southeastern Conference university with in-state tuition of $10,052 and out-of-state tuition of $26,430. About 68% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $6,065. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

In-State Tuition$10,052

Out-of-State Tuition$26,430

Room and Board$12,293

Average Merit Award$6,065

Application Fee$40

Students on Aid68%

Average Aid Package$16,873

Average Debt at Grad$25,539

For out-of-state students, Mississippi State’s tuition is $26,430, while in-state tuition is $10,052; room and board adds $12,293. Financial aid is common, with 68% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $16,873. Merit awards average $6,065, which can further reduce costs for eligible students. Students graduate with an average debt of $25,539.