Quick Summary
Mississippi State University is a public land-grant research university founded in 1878, located in Starkville, United States. Ranked #801-1000 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 22649 students including 3.8% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Veterinary Science, Engineering - Mechanical, it maintains an acceptance rate of 75%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Mississippi State is a premier R1 research institution offering a high-quality education with a strong sense of community and Southeastern Conference (SEC) traditions.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryVeterinary ScienceEngineering - MechanicalPetroleum Engineering
Founded1878
TypePublic Land-grant Research University
Total Students22649
Intl Students3.8%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusRural
Campus Size4200 acres
Affiliated HospitalsCollege of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Center, OCH Regional Medical Center
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-1000
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Over 180 undergraduate and graduate degrees
Programs
44
PhD Programs
MSU Online offers 60+ degree and certificate programs
Online Programs
High Performance Computing Collaborative, Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, Social Science Research Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate75%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL71
Min GPA2.5
GRERequired for specific graduate programs
GMATRequired for MBA and Master of Professional Accountancy
SATOptional but recommended for scholarship consideration
ACT20
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Submit applications early to maximize scholarship opportunities and secure housing. ACT/SAT scores are highly encouraged for merit-based aid.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$26,580/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$13,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$26,580/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$40
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$40,120/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailablePresidential Scholarships, Academic Excellence, International Excellence Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$5,500
Financial AidAvailable via FAFSA, grants, and federal loans
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Over 180 undergraduate and graduate degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Kinesiology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$54,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh; home to one of the nation's oldest and largest cooperative education programs
Industry Connections
NASABoeingFedExNissanPACCARDepartment of Homeland Security
Notable Alumni
John Grisham, Dak Prescott, Jerry Rice, Bailey Howell
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Davis Wade Stadium, Humphrey Coliseum, Dudy Noble Field, Sanderson Center
Student Clubs
300+
Library Resources
Mitchell Memorial Library, Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available