Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Moorhead, Minnesota
52.6% Acceptance Rate
Minnesota State University Moorhead — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
52.6%Acceptance Rate
3.52Avg GPA
1090Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$24,419Annual Cost
$50,527Grad Salary
27.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
52.6%
Avg GPA
3.52
Avg SAT
1090
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1120
ACT Middle 50%
19–24
Avg Net Price
$17,816
Need-Based Aid
27.5% receive Pell
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), founded in 1887, is a public university known for its strong education, business, and healthcare programs. Located in Moorhead, Minnesota, it ranks among the top regional universities in the Midwest for affordability and student support.
The campus features modern science labs, a business innovation center, and a new nursing simulation facility. Its proximity to Fargo, North Dakota, provides students with internship and career opportunities in a growing metropolitan area.
Minnesota State University Moorhead Acceptance Rate
At 52.6%, admission to Minnesota State University Moorhead is achievable for most students who meet the basic academic profile.
What MSU Moorhead or MSUM Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 52.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.52 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.32 – 3.51
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.07
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Minnesota State University Moorhead Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark December 15 for Minnesota State University Moorhead (Spring — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 129 days left — Spring
Spring
December 15
Fall Priority
March 1
Fall Final
August 1
💡 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.
MSU Moorhead or MSUM GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at MSU Moorhead or MSUM is 3.52. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.22 and 3.52? 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 3.72–3.92.MSU Moorhead or MSUM GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
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
3.52 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.32 – 3.51
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.12 – 3.31
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.11
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Domestic degree-seeking undergraduates from any state now pay the same standard tuition rate - the old reciprocity system was eliminated for this group
- Reciprocity still applies separately for non-degree-seeking students from North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Manitoba
- Test-optional; average admitted GPA around 3.51, roughly 53% acceptance rate
- Named one of Money's Best Colleges in America 2025; dedicated Student Success Team model supports military-to-campus transitions
- 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 MSU Moorhead or MSUM
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Minnesota State University Moorhead'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.
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSU Moorhead or MSUM) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at MSU Moorhead or MSUM. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into MSU Moorhead or MSUM Without SAT or ACT?
MSU Moorhead or MSUM considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Minnesota State University Moorhead Average SAT Score: 1090
Admitted students at Minnesota State University Moorhead average a 1090 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1090 — Accessible
A 1090 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1120 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Minnesota State University Moorhead allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1050? A retake is worth it at MSU Moorhead or MSUM. 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 | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1090 | 1050 | 1120 |
A score under 1050 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1120+ 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 1100
Can I get into Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSU Moorhead or MSUM) with a 1100 SAT?
At 1100, your SAT is squarely in MSU Moorhead or MSUM'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.
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSU Moorhead or MSUM) ACT Requirements
MSU Moorhead or MSUM's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 24 |
Can I get into Minnesota State University Moorhead with a 24 ACT?
At 24, you're in the top quarter of MSU Moorhead or MSUM'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, MSU Moorhead or MSUM 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 MSU Moorhead or MSUM
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into MSU Moorhead or MSUM isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Out-of-state applicants: the old reciprocity system no longer applies to you
MSUM now charges all domestic degree-seeking undergraduates the same standard rate as Minnesota residents, regardless of home state. This is a genuinely rare structural advantage - raise it directly when comparing costs against other out-of-state options.
Non-degree-seeking ND/WI/Manitoba students: the old reciprocity paperwork still applies to you
Unlike degree-seeking students, non-degree-seeking students from North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Manitoba still go through the traditional reciprocity process. Confirm which category you fall into before assuming the new flat rate applies.
Veterans transitioning from military service: ask what the Student Success Team model means concretely
MSUM describes coordinated support specifically for military-to-campus transitions. Ask what that means in practice for scheduling, credit-for-service, and academic advising.
Without strong test scores, lean on coursework rigor and class rank
SAT/ACT is considered but not required, and the average admitted GPA is around 3.51. With a roughly 53% acceptance rate, this is a genuinely holistic review - don't assume weak scores disqualify you.
Expert Insight:
Families researching Moorhead based on older information sometimes still assume the traditional state-by-state reciprocity system applies. Confirm the current tuition model directly, since MSUM moved to a flat in-state rate for all domestic degree-seeking students, which changes cost comparisons against other out-of-state options entirely.
MSU Moorhead or MSUM Profile
Full Name
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSU Moorhead or MSUM)
City
Moorhead
State
Minnesota
ZIP Code
56563
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a MSU Moorhead or MSUM Degree Worth It?
At $24,419/year against a $50,527 median graduate salary, MSU Moorhead or MSUM is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $54,600, and graduates see a 3.06% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from MSU Moorhead or MSUM Cost?
Listed tuition runs $24,419/year at MSU Moorhead or MSUM. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $17,816.
At MSU Moorhead or MSUM, 27.5% receive a Pell Grant and 51.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming MSU Moorhead or MSUM on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a MSU Moorhead or MSUM Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, MSU Moorhead or MSUM graduates report a median income of $50,527, about 24% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Minnesota State University Moorhead. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Minnesota State University Moorhead. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Minnesota State University Moorhead. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Degree Programs at MSU Moorhead or MSUM
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About MSU Moorhead or MSUM Admissions
Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn a moderate median salary of $50,527/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Minnesota State University Moorhead is relatively affordable, around $24,419/year.
27.5% of Minnesota State University Moorhead students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Minnesota State University Moorhead's acceptance rate is 52.6%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Minnesota State University Moorhead students is 3.52, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.22 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.12 or below makes admission tougher at Minnesota State University Moorhead, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Minnesota State University Moorhead weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1090, and within the 1050–1120 range, keeps you competitive.
Minnesota State University Moorhead's deadline is December 15 (Spring).
Minnesota State University Moorhead charges an application fee of 20; 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead'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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