Getting in
For Fall 2025, 27,333 first-year students applied to Mississippi State, 22,858 were admitted and 4,049 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 83.6%.
Source: Mississippi State Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025
| Applicants | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state | 7,555 | 6,530 | 86.4% |
| Out-of-state | 18,098 | 15,292 | 84.5% |
| International | 1,680 | 1,036 | 61.7% |
Source: Mississippi State Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By school or major. MSU's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the whole university, with no rate by college or major.
Source: Mississippi State Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Early plans. MSU has no early decision or early action plan. Admission is rolling: applications are read as they are completed.
Source: Mississippi State Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Majors
93 majors across 10 schools. Every bachelor's degree program in MSU's official Find a Major directory, grouped by the college that offers it, with the degree it leads to. Concentrations are folded into their major. Minors, certificates and graduate programs are left out.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences17
- Agribusiness (Bachelor of Science)
- Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications (Bachelor of Science)
- Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business (Bachelor of Science)
- Agricultural Science (Bachelor of Science)
- Agronomy (Bachelor of Science)
- Animal and Dairy Sciences (Bachelor of Science)
- Biochemistry (Bachelor of Science)
- Culinology (Bachelor of Science)
- Environmental Economics and Sustainability (Bachelor of Science)
- Environmental Science in Agricultural Systems (Bachelor of Science)
- Fashion Design and Merchandising (Bachelor of Science)
- Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion (Bachelor of Science)
- Horticulture (Bachelor of Science)
- Human Development and Family Science (Bachelor of Science)
- Landscape Architecture (Bachelor of Landscape Architecture)
- Landscape Contracting and Management (Bachelor of Science)
- Poultry Science (Bachelor of Science)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Architecture, Art, and Design5
- Architecture (Bachelor of Architecture)
- Building Construction Science (Bachelor of Science)
- Fine Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts)In graphic design, photography or fine arts (ceramics, drawing, illustration, painting, printmaking and sculpture).
- Integrated Design and the Built Environment (Bachelor of Arts)
- Interior Design (Bachelor of Science)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Arts and Sciences23
- Anthropology (Bachelor of Arts)
- Biological Sciences (Bachelor of Science)
- Chemistry (Bachelor of Science)
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Bachelor of Science)
- Communication, Media & Theatre (Bachelor of Arts)
- Criminology (Bachelor of Arts)
- Earth and Environmental Geosciences (Bachelor of Science in Geosciences)
- English (Bachelor of Arts)
- Foreign Languages (Bachelor of Arts)
- General Science (Bachelor of Science)
- History (Bachelor of Arts)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Science)
- Liberal Arts (Bachelor of Arts)Also offered with an Accelerated Law Pathway.
- Mathematics (Bachelor of Arts)
- Mathematics (Bachelor of Science)
- Meteorology (Bachelor of Science in Geosciences)
- Microbiology (Bachelor of Science)
- Philosophy & Religion (Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy)
- Physics (Bachelor of Science)
- Political Science and Public Administration (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science)
- Psychology (Bachelor of Science)
- Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work)
- Sociology (Bachelor of Arts)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Business10
- Accountancy (Bachelor of Accountancy)
- Business Administration (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Business Information Systems (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Economics (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Entrepreneurship (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Finance (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- International Business (Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts)A B.B.A. in International Business with a B.A. in Foreign Languages, offered with the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Management (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Marketing (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Supply Chain Logistics (Bachelor of Business Administration)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Education10
- Applied Behavior Analysis (Bachelor of Science)
- Educational Psychology (Bachelor of Science)
- Elementary Education (Bachelor of Science)
- Industrial Technology (Bachelor of Science)
- Kinesiology (Bachelor of Science)Concentrations: Clinical Exercise Physiology, Neuromechanics, Physical Activity and Coaching, Physical Education and Coaching, Sport Administration, Strength and Conditioning.
- Learning and User Experience Design (Bachelor of Science)
- Music Education (Bachelor of Music Education)
- Music Performance (Bachelor of Music in Performance)
- Secondary Education (Bachelor of Science)
- Special Education (Bachelor of Science)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering16
- Aerospace Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Artificial Intelligence (Bachelor of Science)
- Biomedical Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Biosystems Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Chemical Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Civil & Environmental Engineering (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Computer Science (Bachelor of Science)
- Cybersecurity (Bachelor of Applied Science)
- Cybersecurity (Bachelor of Science)
- Electrical Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Industrial and Systems Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Industrial and Systems Engineering and Business Administration (ELX dual degree) (B.S. and B.B.A.)A B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering with a B.B.A. in Business Administration, offered with the College of Business.
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
- Software Engineering (Bachelor of Science)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Forest Resources4
- Forestry (Bachelor of Science)
- Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation (Bachelor of Science)
- Sustainable Bioproducts (Bachelor of Science)
- Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Bachelor of Science)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Integrative Studies2
- Data Science (Bachelor of Science)Concentrations: Biomedical Informatics, Business Information Systems, Computational Agriculture and Natural Resources, Computational Intelligence, Geoinformatics, Marketing and Supply Chain Analytics, Psychoinformatics, Social Data Analytics, Sports Science, Statistical Modeling, Visualization and Visual Analytics for the Built Environment.
- Tourism & Destination Development (Bachelor of Science)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Professional and Continuing Studies5
- Business Office Technology (Bachelor of Applied Science)
- Organizational Leadership (Bachelor of Applied Science)
- Professional Studies (Bachelor of Applied Science)
- Public Management (Bachelor of Applied Science)
- University Studies (Bachelor of University Studies)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Veterinary Medicine1
- Veterinary Medical Technology (Bachelor of Science)
Source: MSU Find a Major (majors.msstate.edu) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Open until the 10th day of classes | Most applicants within 2 to 3 weeks of a complete file | No |
The application for summer and fall entry opens August 1. MSU encourages you to apply early, since admission is granted on a rolling basis. You can submit the application before your transcript, fee or test scores arrive, but MSU reviews your file for admission and scholarships only once everything is in. The application fee is $50 ($60 for international students).
Source: MSU Undergraduate Admissions, Freshman Admissions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
MSU is test-optional for freshman admission: if you do not send ACT or SAT scores, you are reviewed on high school performance, placement testing and other factors. Scores are still encouraged for scholarships and placement. If you send them, MSU superscores within the ACT or within the SAT, not across them, and its ACT superscore leaves out the Science section. Non-residents who do not meet the 2.50 GPA minimum need a test score: the page says "ACT or SAT score of 20 or above". Home-schooled applicants send ACT or SAT scores.
Source: MSU Undergraduate Admissions, Freshman Admissions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
The Common Data Set also marks the SAT or ACT as considered if submitted, not required.
Source: Mississippi State Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Changes already in effect
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
- Scholarships. Beginning in 2027, MSU no longer counts the ACT science score in the superscore it uses for scholarship eligibility. The General Scholarship Application opens October 1, 2026, for students entering in summer or fall 2027, and the priority deadline for entering freshmen is December 1.
Source: MSU Undergraduate Admissions, Scholarships (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked Mississippi State's admission pages on October 1, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: MSU Undergraduate Admissions, Freshman Admissions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at Mississippi State, 2026-2027:
| Item | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,845 | $29,836 |
| Required fees (estimate) | $250 | $250 |
| Housing (on campus) | $9,990 | $9,990 |
| Food | $5,210 | $5,210 |
| Books and supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $3,132 | $3,132 |
| Personal expenses | $3,804 | $3,804 |
| Total | $34,431 | $53,422 |
For an undergraduate living on campus at the Starkville main campus, fall 2026 and spring 2027. Federal loan fees are added to your own cost of attendance individually.
Source: MSU Student Financial Aid, Yearly Undergraduate Cost of Attendance, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $14,332 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $14,372 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $18,671 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $20,704 |
| Over $110,000 | $22,987 |
| All incomes | $17,595 |
What first-year, full-time, in-state students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from MSU's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to Mississippi State University on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY · Public79.4% admitted$17,988 average net price
University of MississippiOxford, MS · Public97.4% admitted$13,314 average net price
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL · Public94.2% admitted$18,749 average net price
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL · Public71.2% admitted$22,420 average net price
University of KentuckyLexington, KY · Public93.5% admitted$18,851 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.