Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Minneapolis, Minnesota
77% Acceptance Rate
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
77%Acceptance Rate
3.75Avg GPA
1359Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$29,013Annual Cost
$69,020Grad Salary
16.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg GPA
3.75
Avg SAT
1359
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1310–1480
ACT Middle 50%
27–31
Avg Net Price
$17,139
Need-Based Aid
16.9% receive Pell
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a globally recognized public research university and a flagship institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. With a massive research enterprise and a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university provides a transformative educational experience in a dynamic urban setting. Its state-of-the-art facilities and focus on high-impact research make it a premier choice for students seeking a world-class, top-tier degree.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Acceptance Rate
Admission at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is inclusive by design. 77% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 77% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.75 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.55 – 3.74
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.30
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark January 1 for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Regular Decision — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by March 31.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 148 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by: March 31
Early Action I
November 1
Decision by: January 31
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is 3.75. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.45 and 3.75? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.95–4.15.University of Minnesota-Twin Cities GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.75 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.55 – 3.74
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.35 – 3.54
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.34
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Admission is by one of 8 specific colleges, not a general undecided pool
- Required 150-word supplemental essay (diversity/community) plus an optional 150-word major-interest essay for most applicants
- Nursing applicants must answer 3 separate 250-word program-specific prompts instead
- No personal essay, transcripts, or letters of recommendation required for general freshman admission - grades are self-reported; Early Action deadline is November 1
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Without SAT or ACT?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Average SAT Score: 1359
Admitted students at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities average a 1359 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1359 — Competitive
A 1359 average is a respectable, above-average benchmark nationally.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1480 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Minnesota-Twin Cities allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1310? A retake is worth it at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 715 | 670 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 680 | 640 | 720 |
| SAT Composite | 1359 | 1310 | 1480 |
A score under 1310 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1480+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a 1500 SAT?
At 1500, your SAT is squarely in University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ACT Requirements
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's admitted students average an ACT of 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
An average of 29 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 31 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 27 | 31 |
Can I get into University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a 31 ACT?
At 31, you're in the top quarter of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Choose your admitting college deliberately, not "undecided"
UMN admits directly into one of 8 freshman-admitting colleges across 150+ majors. Your choice shapes which supplemental prompts you'll answer and how your file gets reviewed, so research the specific college, not just the university brand.
Give the required diversity prompt real, specific content
Every applicant must answer a required 150-word prompt on how you'd contribute to or benefit from the community of scholars. Don't let it become filler next to the optional major-interest essay - reviewers see this one from everyone.
Budget extra writing time if you're applying to Nursing
Nursing applicants must answer three separate 250-word prompts - why nursing, how your studies prepared you, and why UMN's specific nursing program fits your plans - a notably heavier writing load than any other college within UMN.
Apply by November 1 for Early Action to trigger automatic scholarship review
Submitting by the EA deadline gets you automatically considered for the University Honors Program and academic scholarships through the same application - there's no separate honors form, but earlier files are reviewed against more available funding.
Expert Insight:
Students often write one generic "why UMN" paragraph and reuse it across both the required diversity prompt and the optional major-interest prompt - reviewers notice the overlap, and the optional prompt specifically needs distinct content.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Profile
Full Name
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
City
Minneapolis
State
Minnesota
ZIP Code
55455-0213
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Degree Worth It?
Whether University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $70,700, and graduates see a 2.78% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Cost?
Listed tuition runs $29,013/year at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $17,139.
At University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 16.9% receive a Pell Grant and 29.1% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming University of Minnesota-Twin Cities on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates report a median income of $69,020, about 70% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Lake Forest College | Lake Forest, IL | 1309 | 30 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 1345 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
Degree Programs at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Admissions
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn a moderate median salary of $69,020/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is relatively affordable, around $29,013/year.
16.9% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's acceptance rate is 77%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of Minnesota-Twin Cities students is 3.75, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.45 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.35 or below makes admission tougher at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1359, and within the 1310–1480 range, keeps you competitive.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's deadline is January 1 (Regular Decision), with decisions out by March 31.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities charges an application fee of 55; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before December 15, 2026. That's University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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