Mississippi State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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.
⬡ LangSmith85168b68-6d25-4b08-8d69-1a692b46f303Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Mississippi State University facts and stats
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.
⬡ LangSmith26f04fe1-d6f3-4966-9d82-519fcc07d131Mississippi State, MS
How do your scores compare at Mississippi State?
Key Mississippi State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
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
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 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.
⬡ LangSmith7d540b76-c514-4b8c-827d-ea1018a81038Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Mississippi State University?
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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.
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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.
⬡ LangSmithe845aeec-adf3-4529-bd4c-0e16a40e241bStudent life at Mississippi State University
33% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 21% of men join fraternities, and 28% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of Mississippi
University, MSAcceptance rate: 96.6%
SAT: 1000–1200
ACT: 21–29
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, ALAcceptance rate: 76.6%
SAT: 1110–1360
ACT: 22–30
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OKAcceptance rate: 76.6%
SAT: 1160–1320
ACT: 23–29
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, ARAcceptance rate: 74.3%
SAT: 1030–1210
ACT: 21–28
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