Master of Science in Data Science 

at Michigan State University, East Lansing

Based on the MSU acceptance rate shared officially, it stands at 84% for the recent year 2024. This is a high acceptance rate, which means that out of every 100 applications, 84 to 85 students were rolled out an offer. Making this university the least competitive. 

Although international students are required to meet the MSU admission eligibility to ensure high admission chances at this university. Early application increases chances, with early action acceptance rates near 90%. Indian students with competitive academic records and English skills stand a good chance of admission.

International students must meet the Michigan State admissions requirements to get into the university. They must complete a bachelor's degree for graduate and a high-school degree for undergraduate admission. Students must meet the programme requirements and apply for Michigan State rolling admission to study. Mentioned below are Michigan State University admission requirements for UG and PG admission:

MSU UG requirements

• If you are currently in upper secondary school, submit an official attested copy of grade 10 secondary school external exam board results. Internal, official school transcripts for coursework in grades 11 and 12.
• If you completed upper secondary school, submit an official attested copy of grade 10 secondary school external exam board results. Official, attested copy of senior secondary school external exam board results.
• Must meet the English language proficiency requirements
• The ACT or SAT score is optional

MSU PG requirements

• Must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
• Submit official transcripts
• Must have a qualified GPA in a related discipline
• The GMAT/GRE test score is optional
• Must meet the English language proficiency requirements
• Letters of Recommendation (if required)

Know more about the Requirements to Study in the USA for International Students

Michigan State University is test optional and prospective students have the option to apply to MSU without submitting an ACT or SAT score. Therefore, ACT/SAT scores are no so important for Michigan State University admissions for international students. Mentioned below are the test score for fall of 2023 first-year profile:

• Composite ACT: 27
• Total SAT: 1210

Michigan State University ranks quite well for some of its courses in Times Higher Education rankings 2025. The subject-wise rankings are given below:

Michigan State University QS ranking is #161 in 2026 and #152 in 2025 rankings. In 2024, this university ranks at #136 position. From some past years QS rankings analysis, it can be said that this university ranks among the Top 200 Universities in the world. A few of the parameters considered for this rankings are academic reputation, citations per faculty, employment outcomes, etc.

According to a top ranking body, Michigan State University ranks at #63 in the National Universities category in 2025. Though the university's position in the US-specific rankings has declined a little, it still ranks in the Top 100 Universities. In the world rankings, this university ranks among the Top 200 Universities worldwide.

Yes, MSU accepts IELTS score. International students whose first language is not English must submit their English Language Proficiency test score to complete the admission application. The IELTS score for regular admission is 6.5 or higher and for Provisional admission, the score is 6.0. For Michigan State University MBA admission, international students require the IELTS (7).

International students need to meet the MSU eligibility requirements to be a part of admissions at this university. Along with the minimum GPA requirement of 3.8, international students are also required to be at the top of their class. 

Mentioned below are the other important requirements for MSU admissions: 

The decision to study at MSU or Purdue or University of Florida depends on students' choice. However, a few factors may influence the decision such as location, tuition fee, programme availability, faculty, etc. A comparison of these 3 universities is given below: 

Michigan State has been consistently ranked by ARWU Shanghai ranking body over the years. In the past 3 years, its MSU's ARWU ranking has witnessed a dropping trend. In the 2024 ranking, the university was ranked at #136 globally, however, this ranking dropped to #161 in 2026. 

It also ranked university's courses in the field of Law (#28), Sociology (#76) and Political Science (#51) in 2024.