Mississippi State University

International undergraduate applicants must have a Diploma from secondary school or secondary leaving examination (US equivalent) to be eligible for admission. SAT or ACT scores are required only if GPA is below 3.0 based on the evaluation of transcripts or if applying for scholarships. International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency to register for academic courses offered through the colleges. Any one of the following scores are acceptable to demonstrate English language proficiency:

English Proficiency Test

Minimum Expected Score

IELTS

6.0

GRE or 

Mississippi State University is not just one of the best universities in USA, but also a part of the top 1000 global universities. Students can refer to the table below for MSU's rankings:

QS World University Rankings - Best Global Universities 2024

Mississippi University's application process differs according to the degree applying for. International students can refer to the listings below for a guide on how to apply to MSU, as per the degree of choice:

1) Undergraduate Applicants: International undergraduate applicants can apply via any one of the following ways:

• Common Application; OR
• Coalition Application; OR
• Mississippi State University Application.

Candidates must note that MSU accepts only one application from either of the three portals and duplicate applications may lead to rejection.

2) Graduate Applicants: MSU accepts international graduate applications through its Online Application Portal.

Mississippi State University is one of the top public universities in Starkville, United States. MSU is not just one of the best universities in USA, but also a part of the top 1000 global universities. For all international students, the best reasons to attend the university are listed below:

• 19:1 student to faculty ratio;
• 12th-the safest college in US;
• Pleasant climate;
• 90% of students are either employed or accepted to graduate School after Graduation;
• MSU was rated as a top 50 institution for the humanities;
• Top 20 of Forbes Magazine’s Top 100 Best Buy Colleges in America;
• 58th among all US public universities in research and development;
• One of only 28 accredited Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in the United States;
• State’s Flagship School of Architecture was recognised and Ranked #25 in the 2016 Design Intelligence Architecture Programs in North America; and
• MSU holds 16 career fairs per year and 14 career counselors are ready to help.

Mississippi State University career centre equips students with the right set of tools to excel in the industry post graduating. MSU's centre hosts career days in which students are able to connect to the employers and discuss current and trending professional industries and jobs available. It also invites guest speakers and employers occasionally to visit the campus and talk about career-related areas.

Some of the top employers which have offered placement to Mississippi State University's graduates include FedEx, International Paper, AT&T, US Army, Wal-Mart, Amazon, Scott County School District, Raytheon, Ernst & Young, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., and Starkville-Oktibbeha as well as Desoto County school districts.

Yes, Mississippi State University lets international students enrolled Federal Work Study programme to work while studying in the university throughout the three semesters, ie; Fall, Spring and Summer. FWS students are eligible to work beginning with the first day of class through the last day of final exams. However, students must note that those who withdraw or drop below half time enrollment (6 credit hours) from the university are no longer eligible for Federal Work Study. Therefore, they must terminate their employment immediately.

International students can work inside the campus without applying for and obtaining formal authorization from MSU. Students who work inside the campus cannot work for more than 20 hours per week during an ongoing session. However, they can work full-time during official school breaks. Students must follow the rules and regulations set for on-campus work by the International Services Office (ISS). International students who have received employment offers also need to obtain the Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Association (SSA).

Prospective international applicants of Mississippi State University through the Common Application, which is available on the university's official website. While applying to MSU, candidates are required to submit a non-refundable sum of $60 = INR 4,994* as the application fee. International students can refer to the table below for Mississippi State University's application deadlines 2026, according to the choice of intake season:

Application Deadline

Spring Semester

closed

Summer Semester

May 15, 2026

Fall Semester

Aug 1, 2026

MBA programme deadline: Nov 15, 2026

Based on the ratio of admissions to applications, the Mississippi State University acceptance rate stands at 70%. Since, the stats are on the higher end, we can conclude that MSU is a not a very competitive university to get in, as it admits more than half of the applicants. Once an applicant fulfills Mississippi State University's admission requirements, ie; competitive grades, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), English language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL) as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission in the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to MSU within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.

Note: The data has been derived from US News & World Report and is subjected to changes.

Prospective international applicants of Mississippi State University through the Common Application, which is available on the university's official website. While applying to MSU, candidates are required to submit the documents listed below:

• Completed online application along with non-refundable $60 = INR 4,994* application fee;
• Official Academic Records (in native language along with translated copies);
• IELTS/TOEFL score;
• GMAT/GRE score (if required);
• Statement of Purpose;
• Names and email addresses of three academic references;
• Document of Support Form, including all required signatures; and
• Bank Letter or other Document of Financial Support.

* 1 USD = INR 83.24

Mississippi State University's acceptance rate is 70%. Half of the candidates admitted to Mississippi State who submitted test scores had a SAT score of 1070 to 1280 or an ACT score of 21 to 29.
Mississippi State University admissions officers place a high value on a student's GPA. An applicant's high school class rank, if available, is relevant, however Mississippi State University admissions officers do not examine letters of recommendation.

Yes, Mississippi State University offers a variety of generous scholarships to all their international students. Overseas applicants are eligible for the General Scholarships, which awarded on the basis of GPA and official ACT/SAT scores submitted to the university while applying. In order to be eligible for scholarships, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and SAT/ACT scores of 20 and 1030, respectively. Also, candidates submit this application form even to participate in competitive, private, departmental, service, and leadership scholarships. International students should maintain their full-time enrollment and required GPA for scholarship renewal, as scholarships are reviewed once the Spring semester ends. Deadline for submitting the General Scholarship application is in early October every year.

MSU offers various scholarships to international applicants, however, the scholarship programs of MSU are reviewed every year, and therefore, they are subject to frequent changes. Freshman applicants are eligible for the General Scholarships awarded on the basis of GPA and official ACT/SAT scores submitted to the university while applying.  A minimum GPA of 3.0 and SAT/ACT scores of 20 and 1030, respectively, are required to be eligible for this scholarship. Students need to submit this application form even to participate in competitive, private, departmental, service, and leadership scholarships. International students should maintain their full-time enrollment and required GPA for scholarship renewal, as scholarships are reviewed once the Spring semester ends. The deadline for submitting the General Scholarship application is in early October.

Graduate Fellowships

Graduate students who need financial support may apply for fellowships that vary as per department. They are mostly awarded on the basis of merit or as an external award to help students complete their coursework. Fellowships allow graduates to complete their studies without taking up teaching or research assistantships.

Mississippi State University's admission requirements for international students comprise of proof of proficiency in the English language as a major entry requirement. MSU accepts major English proficiency exams and students can refer to the table below for the minimum score requirements:

6.0 & Above

Note: Few MSU Programs may have higher ELP requirements. Therefore, students are advised to refer to the university's official website for course-specific requirements.

Mississippi State University MBA program is one of the best in United States and is a very good study abroad option for international students. In order to get into this program, overseas applicants must fulfill the requirements listed below:

• Submission of completed online application by January 15, 2024;
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field;
• IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 84;
• GMAT score;
• Academic requirement courses: Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Business Statistics II, Microeconomics and Information Systems (or equivalent).

In order to get enrolled in Mississippi State University for higher studies, all international students are required to fulfill certain admission requirements. Candidates can refer to the listing below for the MSU entry-requirements for prospective overseas applicants:

• Completed online application along with non-refundable USD 60 = INR 4,994* application fee;
• Certified, translated copies of all transcripts, mark sheets, and diplomas/degree;
• GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale;
• English language proficiency scores (TOEFL: 6.0 | TOEFL: 71); and
• Standardized test scores (SAT: 1030 | ACT: 20).

* 1 USD = INR 83.24

Mississippi State University's programs are offered through its eight colleges and comprise of more than 175 degree programs in fields such as Business, Economics & Commerce, Engineering, Maths, Technology & Science, Culture & Society, Health, Wealth & Medical, Social & Behavioral, Communication & Media, Design & Arts, Education & Helping, and Agriculture, Nature & Environment. The annual tuition fees required to pursue a degree course at MSU is around 20L on an average, which can be considered a little expensive as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:

Mississippi State University's programs are offered through its eight colleges and comprise of more than 175 degree programs in fields such as Business, Economics & Commerce, Engineering, Maths, Technology & Science, Culture & Society, Health, Wealth & Medical, Social & Behavioral, Communication & Media, Design & Arts, Education & Helping, and Agriculture, Nature & Environment. As per the US News & World Report, some of the most popular majors taught in MSU are:

• Business Administration & Management;
• Exercise Science & Kinesiology;
• Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies;
• Psychology;
• Elementary Education & Teaching;
• Marketing/Marketing Management;
• Mechanical Engineering;
• Speech Communication & Rhetoric;
• Accounting; and
• Biology/Biological Sciences.

Mississippi State University is one of the best MBA universities in USA and is one of the best study abroad options for international students looking forward to pursue Business & Management courses. MSU'S MBA program is accredited by AACSB is ranked #1 Online MBA Program of 2020 by Best Value Schools. It is often ranked in top 30 under the category Best MBA programs by US News & World Report. Also, MSU is one of the most affordable universities to pursue MBA programs from, especially for overseas applicants. Overall, it is one of the best institution to study MBA in.

Mississippi State University is one of the best universities in USA and is one of the best study abroad options for international students. Academically it is known for the following majors:

• Engineering (multiple disciplines);
• Agricultural (multiple disciplines including Dairy Science);
• Kinesiology;
• Interior Design;
• Architecture (including Landscape Architecture);
• Turf Management;
• Prevet & Vet School;
• Industrial Technology;
• Environmental/Geosciences; and
• Nutrition.