Mississippi State University admits 76.3% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Mississippi State in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Mississippi State maintains slightly more selective admission than typical four-year institutions, though the difference is minimal at 1.8 percentage points. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students can expect admission, though meeting basic eligibility requirements remains important. Students should view Mississippi State as an accessible option when building their college lists, particularly for those seeking strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. The university's commitment to educational access aligns with its mission as a public land-grant institution serving Mississippi and the broader region. Prospective students should focus on demonstrating academic preparation and fit with their intended program of study rather than viewing admission as highly competitive. This accessibility, combined with solid post-graduation outcomes, makes Mississippi State an attractive option for students prioritizing educational opportunity and value.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Mississippi State University typically score between 1110 and 1410 on the SAT, with a median of 1220. SAT Math scores range from 540 to 720, while SAT Verbal scores span 570 to 690. ACT scores for enrolled students fall between 21 and 29, with a median of 26. These ranges represent the middle 50% of enrolled students—meaning 25% score below the lower bound and 25% score above the upper bound. Students scoring outside these ranges are admitted, just in smaller numbers. Mississippi State's SAT median of 1220 exceeds the peer median of 1198 by 22 points, indicating stronger academic credentials than typical among similar institutions. The ACT median of 26 also surpasses the peer median of 25. Students scoring within or above these ranges can consider themselves academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should not view themselves as automatically excluded, particularly if other aspects of their application demonstrate college readiness. The university's ranking at the 95th percentile for test scores reflects strong academic preparation among enrolled students, despite the accessible admission rate. Prospective students should aim for scores within the middle 50% range while recognizing that Mississippi State evaluates applications holistically beyond test scores alone.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Mississippi State University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its mission as a public land-grant institution. The university serves 28.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based aid. Additionally, 24.9% of students are first-generation college attendees, demonstrating the university's role in expanding educational access to families new to higher education. Transfer students comprise 32.1% of enrollment, reflecting Mississippi State's commitment to providing pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition suggests the university prioritizes educational access and opportunity alongside academic preparation. The substantial transfer population indicates strong articulation agreements and support systems for non-traditional pathways to a bachelor's degree. First-generation students should recognize that nearly 1 in 4 enrolled students shares their background, providing peer support and institutional familiarity with their unique needs. Students from lower-income families can expect to find a significant community of peers who understand financial challenges and benefit from comprehensive support services. The university's balanced enrollment across economic and educational backgrounds creates a diverse learning environment that reflects Mississippi's demographics while maintaining academic standards.
Given Mississippi State's 76.3% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view admission as likely rather than uncertain. However, students seeking alternatives can consider these options for different priorities.
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Mississippi State University maintains solid retention and completion rates that demonstrate institutional support for student success. 82.8% of freshmen return for sophomore year, slightly below the peer median of 83.7% but indicating strong student satisfaction and academic support. The university graduates 62.9% of students within six years, compared to a peer median of 65.9%. More significantly, Pell-eligible students graduate at 51.0%, creating an 11.9 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap indicates some challenges in supporting lower-income students through degree completion, though more than half of Pell recipients do graduate successfully. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support for academic progress, with retention rates above 80% suggesting most students find the academic environment manageable and engaging. Lower-income students should carefully consider the Pell completion gap when evaluating Mississippi State, recognizing that while the majority of Pell students graduate, additional support may be beneficial. The university's transfer-friendly policies, evidenced by 32.1% transfer enrollment, suggest flexibility in supporting diverse pathways to graduation. Prospective students should view these metrics as indicators of the academic rigor and support systems they will encounter, planning accordingly for academic and financial resource needs.
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