Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Alcorn State University — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Alcorn State, Mississippi 24.7% Acceptance Rate

Alcorn State University Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Alcorn State, Mississippi 39096-7500 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.alcorn.edu/

Alcorn State University — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

24.7%Acceptance Rate
3.2Avg GPA
1039Avg SAT
20Avg ACT
$23,937Annual Cost
$36,421Grad Salary
77.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
24.7%
Avg GPA
3.2
Avg SAT
1039
Avg ACT
20
Selectivity
Highly Competitive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
850–998
ACT Middle 50%
15–24
Avg Net Price
$14,040
Need-Based Aid
77.4% receive Pell

Alcorn State University, established in 1871, is the oldest public historically Black land-grant university in the United States, located in Lorman, Mississippi. Alcorn offers over 50 degree programs across five schools, with particular strengths in agriculture, nursing, and business. The university's 1,700-acre campus features the historic Oakland Chapel and modern facilities like the Biotechnology Building.

Alcorn's research initiatives address agricultural innovation and rural development. The university's NCAA Division I athletics and 70+ student organizations create a vibrant campus life. Alumni include civil rights leaders, professional athletes, and pioneers in agriculture who carry forward Alcorn's legacy of access and excellence.

Alcorn State University Acceptance Rate

Alcorn State University is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of Alcorn State University is 24.7%. This means that only 25 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
  • Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
  • Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2–3 key extracurricular activities.

Selectivity at a Glance

Highly Competitive
Alcorn State University Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Highly Competitive — 24.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

While academics are a primary focus, Alcorn State University considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.20 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.00 – 3.19
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.75
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Alcorn State University GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at Alcorn State University is 3.2. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.40-3.60 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 2.90 and 3.2, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

Alcorn State University GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.

Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).

Admissions at Alcorn State University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.2, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.20 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.00 – 3.19
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.80 – 2.99
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.79
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Alcorn State University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at Alcorn State University

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Alcorn State University's verified institutional data

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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.

Alcorn State University Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Alcorn State University Without SAT or ACT?

Alcorn State University requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.

Alcorn State University Average SAT Score: 1039

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Alcorn State University is 1039 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Alcorn State University SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1039 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1039 on the SAT.

SAT Math
462
SAT Reading
463
Composite
1039
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (998 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Alcorn State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 850, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Alcorn State University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Alcorn State University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math462420503
SAT Reading463430495
SAT Composite1039850998

It means that if you have scored less than 850 then you are below most of the admitted students at Alcorn State University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 998 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050

Can I get into Alcorn State University with a 1000 SAT?

With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Alcorn State University are good but the admission staff at Alcorn State University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Alcorn State University ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Alcorn State University is 20.

ACT Competitiveness

Alcorn State University ACT Competitiveness
ACT 20 — Less Competitive

This score makes Alcorn State University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 20 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Alcorn State University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math181223
ACT English201425
ACT Composite201524

Can I get into Alcorn State University with a 24 ACT?

A 24 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Alcorn State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Alcorn State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Alcorn State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Alcorn State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 24 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 20

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Alcorn State University

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At Alcorn State University, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Target the 75th Percentile

Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.

Demonstrated Interest

Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.

The 'Breadth' Factor

Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.

Humanize the Transcript

Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.

Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.

Alcorn State University Profile

Full Name
Alcorn State University
City
Alcorn State
State
Mississippi
ZIP Code
39096-7500
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a Alcorn State University Degree Worth It?

Getting into Alcorn State University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Alcorn State University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Alcorn State University is $38,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.47%.

How much does a degree from Alcorn State University Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Alcorn State University is $23,937. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Alcorn State University is $14,040.

77.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 70.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Alcorn State University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Alcorn State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Alcorn State University as your choice in the form.

How much does a Alcorn State University Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $36,421. An average Alcorn State University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$23,937Annual Cost
$14,040Net Price
77.4%Pell Grant
70.6%Federal Loan
$36,421Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Alcorn State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Faulkner University Montgomery, AL 1016 20
University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 1015 20
Central Baptist College Conway, AR 1022 20
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton Morrilton, AR 1020 20
Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, AR 1018 19
Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO 1014 20
Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, CO 1005 22
Trinity Baptist College Jacksonville, FL 1007 20
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, GA 994 19
College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, GA 1001 18
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Alcorn State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL 1043 20
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 1049 21
Western Connecticut State University Danbury, CT 1044 24
Baptist University of Florida Graceville, FL 1045 20
Thomas University Thomasville, GA 1037 21
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Alcorn State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 1119 23
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 1095 22

Degree Programs at Alcorn State University

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Alcorn State University →

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcorn State University Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $36,421 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23,937 per year, making it more affordable for many students.

77.4% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.

The acceptance rate of Alcorn State University is 24.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.2. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.9, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.9, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2.8 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.2, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Alcorn State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1039 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 850–998.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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