Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

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Mississippi State, founded in 1878, is a comprehensive, public, land-grant university, the largest in Mississippi. Programs are offered through the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Business and Industry, Education, Engineering, Forest Resources, and Veterinary Medicine. The university is particularly noted for its strengths in engineering and scientific agriculture. It is home to one of 27 engineering research centers designated by the National Science Foundation and ranks 61st among public universities in science and engineering research. MSU was one of five colleges and universities to receive the 1998 Truman Foundation Honor Institution Award for success in producing Truman Scholarship winners. The university offers one of four professional golf management degree programs sanctioned by the Professional Golfer's Association, and it offers the nation's only geosciences degree program with an emphasis in broadcast meteorology. Its 4,200-acre campus is located in Starkville, 16 miles west of Columbus.

Website: www.msstate.edu/

Public
Co-ed
18,312
Undergraduate
Students
(49.5%) 9,070 Women
(50.5%) 9,242 Men
3,571
Graduate
Students

Admission

Entrance Difficulty
Moderately difficult
Overall Admission Rate
73% of 13,817 applicants were admitted
Early Action Offered
No
Early Decision Offered
No
Regular Admission Deadline
Rolling

Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

Average GPA
3.43
SAT Math
Not reported
SAT EBRW
Not reported
ACT Composite
25 average
21-28 range of middle 50%
See more

Money Matters

Cost of Attendance
In-state: $24,871
Out-of-state: $39,561
Tuition and Fees
In-state: $8,560
Out-of-state: $23,250
Room and Board
$9,764
Average Percent of Need Met
54%
Average Freshman Award
$14,597
Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
$31,438
See more

Academics

Academic Calendar System
Semester
General Education/Core Curriculum
Required for most or all students
Full-Time Faculty Teaching Undergraduates
970
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 10% of classes
10-19 students: 25% of classes
20-29 students: 30% of classes
30-39 students: 12% of classes
40-49 students: 8% of classes
50-99 students: 11% of classes
Over 100 students: 4% of classes
See more

Campus Life

Mississippi State Population
21,869
Nearest Metropolitan Area
 
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are given priority consideration for housing
Students in College Housing
27% of all students
Athletic Conferences
NCAA Division I
Mascot
Bulldog
Sororities
17% of women participate
Fraternities
14% of men participate
See more

Students

Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.5% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1.2% Asian
20.6% Black/African-American
2.8% Hispanic/Latino
1.8% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
72.5% White
0.5% Unknown
International Students
1.2% from 49 countries
First-Year Students Returning
79.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
31.5%
Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
47%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
28.0%
See more

Freshman Admission Requirements

Entrance Difficulty

Moderately Difficult: More than 75% of freshmen were in the top 50% of their high school class and scored over 1010 on the SAT I or over 18 on the ACT; about 85% or fewer of all applicants accepted.

High School Preparation

High School Graduation
High school diploma required and GED is accepted
High School Program
College preparatory program is required

High School Units Required or Recommended

High School Units Required or Recommended
Subject Required Units Recommended Units
English 4  
Mathematics 3 4
Science 3 4
Foreign Language 1  
Social Studies 1 2
History 2  
Academic Electives 1  

Examinations

Examinations
Exam Required Units Scores Due in Admissions Office
SAT or ACT Required August 15
SAT Only    
ACT Only    
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT    
SAT Subject Tests Only  
SAT Essay Component Policy Accepted with or without essay component
ACT Writing Test Policy Accepted with or without writing component
ACT Writing Test Policy SAT: No policy as of now
ACT: No policy as of now

Applying for Admission

Admissions Office

Address
75 B.S. Hood Drive
City, State, Zip
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone
(662) 325-2224
Fax
(662) 325-3299
E-mail
admit@msstate.edu

Application Dates and Fees

Regular Admisson Deadline
Rolling
Application Fee
$40
Application Fee Waiver
Available
Regular Admission Notification
Rolling
Accept Offer of Admission
Not reported
Waiting List Used
No
Defer Admission
Student cannot defer admission
Transfer Admission
Transfer applications accepted

Early Admission

Early Decision Offered
No
Early Decision Deadline
 
Early Decision Notification
 
Early Action Offered
No
Early Action Deadline
 
Early Action Notification
 

Application Form

Common Application
Accepted
Universal College Application
Not accepted
Electronic Application
Available

Other Application Requirements

Interview
Not Required
Essay or Personal Statement
 
Letters of Recommendation
 
Other
 
Financial Need
Financial need is not a consideration in the admissions process

Selection of Students

Selection of Students
Factor Very Important Important Considered Not Considered
Rigor of Secondary School Record X
Academic GPA X
Standardized Tests X
Class Rank X
Recommendations X
Essay X
Interview X
Level of Applicant's Interest X
Extracurricular Activities X
Volunteer Work X
Particular Talent/Ability X
Character/Personal Qualities X
First Generation to Attend College X
State Residency X
Geographic Residence X
Relation with Alumnus X
Religious Affiliation/Commitment X
Ethnicity X
Work Experience X

Profile of Fall Admission

Overall Admission Rate
73% of 13,817 applicants were admitted
Women
72% of 7,638 applicants were admitted
Men
75% of 6,179 applicants were admitted
Students Enrolled
5,500 (54%) of 10,144 admitted students enrolled
Women
2,752 (50%) of 5,488 admitted students enrolled
Men
2,748 (59%) of 4,656 admitted students enrolled
Early Decision Admission Rate
 
Early Action Admission Rate
 
Students Offered Wait List
 
Students Accepting Wait List Position
 
Students Admitted From Wait List
 

Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen (4.0 scale)

Average GPA
3.43
3.75 and Above
34%
3.50 - 3.74
16%
3.25 - 3.49
14%
3.00 - 3.24
14%
2.50 - 2.99
16%
2.00 - 2.49
5%

SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

SAT Math
Not reported
Score of 700 - 800
Not reported
Score of 600 - 700
Not reported
Score of 500 - 600
Not reported
Score of 400 - 500
Not reported
Score of 300 - 400
Not reported
Score of 200 - 300
Not reported
SAT EBRW
Not reported
Score of 700 - 800
Not reported
Score of 600 - 700
Not reported
Score of 500 - 600
Not reported
Score of 400 - 500
Not reported
Score of 300 - 400
Not reported
Score of 200 - 300
Not reported

ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

ACT Composite
25 average
21-28 range of middle 50%
Score of 30 - 36
17%
Score of 24 - 29
40%
Score of 18 - 23
39%
Score of 12 - 17
5%
Score of 6 - 11
0%
Score of 5 or Below
0%

Other Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

High School Class Rank
Top tenth: 25%
Top quarter: 54%
Top half: 82%
National Merit Scholar
1%
Valedictorian
Not reported
Class President
Not reported
Student Government Officer
Not reported

Tuition and Expenses

Cost of Attendance
In-state: $24,871
Out-of-state: $39,561
Tuition and Fees
In-state: $8,560
Out-of-state: $23,250
Room and Board
$9,764
Books and Supplies
$1,200
Other Expenses
$5,292
Payment Plans
Prepayment plan, installment plan

Applying for Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

Email
financialaid@saffairs.msstate.edu
Web Site
Financial Aid Web Site
Net Price Calculator URL
Net Price Calculator URL

Application Process

Application Deadline
Priority deadline March 1
Award Notification
On a rolling basis beginning December 1
Methodology for Awarding Institutional Aid
Federal Methodology
Forms Required Cost to File
FAFSA
Code is 002423		 Free
State Aid Form  

Profile of 2018 - 19 Financial Aid

Freshman

Financial Aid Applicants
3,000 (84.5%) of freshmen
Found to Have Financial Need
2,520 (83.3%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
2,491 (99.0%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
537 (30.1%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
54%
Average Award
$14,597
Need-Based Gift
Received by 2,420 (96.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $5,778
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 1,513 (70.1%) of aid recipients, average amount $3,152
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 337 (14.4%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
934 (28.9%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $3,800

All Undergraduates

Financial Aid Applicants
12,575 (73.3%) of undergraduates
Found to Have Financial Need
10,880 (86.5%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
10,603 (98.3%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
2,195 (24.6%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
56%
Average Award
$14,124
Need-Based Gift
Received by 9,554 (89.0%) of aid recipients, average amount $6,477
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 7,520 (76.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $3,965
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 770 (7.6%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
3,717 (22.4%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $4,499

Borrowing

2018 Graduates Who Took Out Loans
56%
Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
$31,438
Parents of Students Receiving Aid
10.0%
Parents of Students Not Receiving Aid
1.0%

Financial Aid Programs

Loans

Federal Loans
Direct subsidized Stafford loans, direct unsubsidized Stafford loans, direct PLUS loans, Federal Perkins loans
State Loans
 
Other Loans
College/university loans

Scholarships and Grants

Need-Based Available
Federal Pell grants, SEOG, State scholarships, Institutional scholarships, Private scholarships
Non-Need–Based Available
None

Non-Need Awards

Academic Interest/Achievement Award Areas
Agriculture, Architecture, Area/Ethnic Studies, Biological Sciences, Business, Communication, Computer Science, Education, Engineering/Technologies, English, Foreign Languages, Health Fields, Home Economics, Humanities, International Studies, Library Science, Mathematics, Military Science, Physical Sciences, Premedicine, Religion/Biblical Studies, Social Sciences
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Creative Arts/Performance Award Areas
Applied Art and Design, Art/Fine Arts, Cinema/Film/Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Dance, Debating, Journalism/Publications, Music, Performing Arts, Theater/Drama
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Achievements/Activities Award Areas
Cheerleading/Drum Major, Junior Miss, Leadership, Memberships
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Characteristics Award Areas
Adult Students, Children and Siblings of Alumni, Children of Educators, Children of Faculty/Staff, Children of Public Servants, First-Generation College Students, Handicapped Students, Local/State Students, Out-of-State Students, Previous College Experience, Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Public Servants
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 

Employment

Work-Study Programs
Federal work study available
Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment
$3,719
Academic Calendar System
Semester
Summer Session
Offered
General Catalog/Bulletin
Online Catalog

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Majors

  • Accounting
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering
  • Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Teacher Education
  • Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Animal Sciences, General
  • Anthropology
  • Apparel and Textiles, General
  • Architecture
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  • Biological and Physical Sciences
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Business Teacher Education
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry, General
  • Civil Engineering, General
  • Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist
  • Computer Engineering, General
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Construction Management
  • Criminology
  • Culinary Science/Culinology
  • Economics, General
  • Educational Psychology
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Elementary Education and Teaching
  • Engineering, Other
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
  • Finance, General
  • Food Science
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
  • Forest Sciences and Biology
  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • History, General
  • Horticultural Science
  • Human Development and Family Studies, General
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Industrial Technology/Technician
  • Insurance
  • Interior Architecture
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Landscaping and Groundskeeping
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
  • Management Information Systems, General
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
  • Mathematics, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Music Teacher Education
  • Music, General
  • Natural Resources/Conservation, General
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Physics, General
  • Political Science and Government, General
  • Poultry Science
  • Psychology, General
  • Real Estate
  • Secondary Education and Teaching
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Special Education and Teaching, General
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric
  • Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
Most Popular Disciplines
Business/marketing, Engineering, Interdisciplinary studies, Parks and recreation
Combined Liberal Arts/Professional Degree Programs
None
Special Programs
Accelerated program, Cooperative work study program, Student-designed major, Distance learning, Double major, English as a second language, Honors program, Independent study, Internships, Study abroad, Summer session
Study Abroad
Offered
Online Degrees
Some online degree programs

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

General Education/Core Curriculum
Required for most or all students
Computer
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Foreign Language
Not required
Math/Science
Required for all students

Faculty and Instruction

Full-Time Faculty
970
Part-Time Faculty
172
Full-Time Faculty with Ph.D./Terminal Degree
68%
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 10% of classes
10-19 students: 25% of classes
20-29 students: 30% of classes
30-39 students: 12% of classes
40-49 students: 8% of classes
50-99 students: 11% of classes
Over 100 students: 4% of classes
Discussion Section/Lab Class Size
2-9 students: 31% of discussion sections/labs
10-19 students: 27% of discussion sections/labs
20-29 students: 14% of discussion sections/labs
30-39 students: 17% of discussion sections/labs
40-49 students: 3% of discussion sections/labs
50-59 students: 7% of discussion sections/labs
Over 100 students: 0% of discussion sections/labs

Advanced Placement

International Baccalaureate
Accepted
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Accepted for placement and credit
Sophomore Standing
Available through AP examinations

Academic Resources

Library Available on Campus
Yes
Holdings
546,614
Computer Ownership
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Computers Available on Campus
1000
Internet/E-mail Access
Not reported

Academic Support Services

Remedial Instruction
Offered
Tutoring
Available
Services for Learning Disabled Students
Available
Services for Physically Disabled Students
Hearing impaired services, speech disorders services, visually impaired services, wheelchair access

Graduate/Professional School Education

Master's Degrees Offered

Master of Arts, Master of Science in Instructional Technology, Master of Science in Technology, Master of Business Administration, Master of Professional Accountancy, Master of Science, Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Engineering, Master of Agribusiness Management, Master of Public Policy Administration, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Arts in Teaching

Master's Programs of Study

  • Accounting
  • Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
  • Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Media/Instructional Technology
  • Elementary Education
  • Engineering and Applied Sciences--General
  • Ergonomics and Human Factors
  • Exercise and Sports Science
  • Fish, Game, and Wildlife Management
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Forestry
  • History
  • Human Resources Development
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Management
  • Industrial/Management Engineering
  • Kinesiology and Movement Studies
  • Management Information Systems
  • Middle School Education
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutrition
  • Operations Research
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy
  • Reading Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
  • Sports Management
  • Sustainable Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Taxation
  • Veterinary Sciences
  • Vocational and Technical Education

Doctoral Degrees Offered

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral Programs of Study

  • Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Media/Instructional Technology
  • Elementary Education
  • Engineering and Applied Sciences--General
  • Ergonomics and Human Factors
  • Exercise and Sports Science
  • Fish, Game, and Wildlife Management
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Forestry
  • History
  • Human Resources Development
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Management
  • Industrial/Management Engineering
  • Kinesiology and Movement Studies
  • Management Information Systems
  • Middle School Education
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutrition
  • Operations Research
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy
  • Reading Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
  • Sports Management
  • Sustainable Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Veterinary Sciences
  • Vocational and Technical Education

Location and Setting

Mississippi State Population
21,869
Nearest Metropolitan Area
 
Campus Size
4,200 acres

Weather

Temperature
32.7 average low in January, 90.6 average high in September
Rain
112 rainy days per year

Getting Around

Campus Map
Map
Nearest Bus Station
1 mile(s) from campus in Starkville
Nearest Train Station
84 mile(s) from campus in Greenwood (Tuscaloosa-87)

Housing

College Housing
College offers housing to students
Types of Housing
Men only housing, women only housing, coed housing, disabled student housing
Students in College Housing
27% of all students
Housing Requirements
Freshmen are required to live on campus
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are given priority consideration for housing
Students Living Off Campus/Commuting
73%
Off-Campus Housing Assistance
 

Security

24-Hour Emergency Phone/Alarm Devices
Available
24-Hour Security Patrols
Available
Late-Night Transport/Escort Services
Available
Electronically Operated Housing Entrances
Available
Other
bicycle patrols, crime prevention program, RAD program, general law enforcement services

Personal Support Services

Health Service
Offered
Personal Counseling
Offered
Child Care
Offered

Sports and Recreation

Intercollegiate Athletics

Athletic Conferences
NCAA Division I
Mascot
Bulldog
School Colors
Maroon and white

Intercollegiate Sports Offered

Sports Women Men
Offered Scholarships Offered Scholarships
Baseball     x x
Basketball x x x x
Cheerleading x x x x
Cross-Country Running x x x  
Golf x x x x
Soccer x x    
Softball x x    
Tennis x x x x
Track And Field x x x x
Volleyball x x    
Women's Sports Offered Scholarships
Baseball    
Basketball x x
Cheerleading x x
Cross-Country Running x x
Golf x x
Soccer x x
Softball x x
Tennis x x
Track And Field x x
Volleyball x x
Mens's Sports Offered Scholarships
Baseball x x
Basketball x x
Cheerleading x x
Cross-Country Running x  
Golf x x
Soccer    
Softball    
Tennis x x
Track And Field x x
Volleyball    
Women's Club Sports
 
Men's Club Sports
 

Recreational Sports

Intramural Sports
basketball, bowling, equestrian sports, football, golf, racquetball, riflery, ultimate Frisbee, water polo, weight lifting

Student Activities

Activities and Organizations
choral groups, marching band, drama theatre, radio station, student newspaper, television station, national fraternities, national sororities, student association, black student alliance, residence hall association, fashion board, campus activities board
Sororities
17% of women participate
Fraternities
14% of men participate
ROTC
Army ROTC offered on campus, Air Force ROTC offered on campus

Student Body

Coeducational
Yes
All Undergraduates
18,312
Women
9,070 (49.5%)
Men
9,242 (50.5%)
Full-Time Undergraduates
16,803
Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.5% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1.2% Asian
20.6% Black/African-American
2.8% Hispanic/Latino
1.8% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
72.5% White
0.5% Unknown
International Students.
1.2% from 49 countries
Average Age
22
All Graduate Students
3,571

Undergraduate Retention and Graduation

First-Year Students Returning
79.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
31.5%
Students Graduating Within 5 Years
54.4%
Students Graduating Within 6 Years
60.0%

After Graduation

Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
47%
Average Starting Salary
47%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
28.0%
Disciplines Pursued
Business 2.9%
Engineering 1.9%
Arts and Sciences 1.3%
Veterinary Medicine 1%
Education 2.5%
Other 2.4%

A portion of the College Profile data is provided under license by:
Peterson's Undergraduate and Undergraduate Financial Aid Databases, copyright © 2019 Peterson's, a Nelnet company. All rights reserved."