Truman State University Truman State University, founded in 1867 in Kirksville, Missouri, is a public liberal arts university recognized for academic excellence. As Missouri's only highly selective public liberal arts institution, Truman offers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in the arts and sciences. The 210-acre campus features modern facilities like the Science Hall and the newly renovated Ophelia Parrish Fine Arts Center. Truman maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and consistently ranks among the top public universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The university is particularly known for its strong undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines.
Truman takes pride in its personalized approach to education within a public university setting. All students complete a liberal studies program that emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. The campus features the beautiful Georgian-style Kirk Memorial and the 80,000-square-foot Student Recreation Center. Truman's athletic teams, the Bulldogs, compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Recent additions include the new Health Sciences Building. Truman's combination of academic rigor, affordability, and close-knit community makes it one of the Midwest's premier public liberal arts universities.
Truman State University Acceptance Rate
Truman State University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Truman State University (Truman) is 45.05%. This means that 45 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Truman State University Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn\'t excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Truman State University Admission Requirements
Truman GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Truman is 3.81. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.51 and 3.81, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.41 GPA to have a realistic chance of admission.
Can I Get Into Truman Without SAT Or ACT?: Truman State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their 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.
Truman State University (Truman) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Truman State University Average SAT Score: 1246
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Truman State University is 1246 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Truman State University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1246 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Truman 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 1070, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Truman. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Truman State University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 620 | 560 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 580 | 510 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1246 | 1070 | 1330 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1070 then you are below most of the admitted students at Truman and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1330 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 1250
Can I get into Truman State University (Truman) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Truman State University (Truman) are good but the admission staff at Truman 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.
Truman State University (Truman) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Truman is 26.
Truman State University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Truman State University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
Truman State University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 27 | 22 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 29 |
Can I get into Truman State University with a 29 ACT?
With a 29 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Truman State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 26.Truman Profile
Name: Truman State University (Truman)
City: Kirksville
State: Missouri
Type: Public
Zip: 63501-4221
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Truman Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Truman State University is USD: 22335. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Truman State University is USD: 13256
How can I get a scholarship?
16.07% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 30.44 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Truman and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Truman 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 Truman as your choice in the form.
How much a Truman Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Truman graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 56280. An average Truman 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Truman State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Truman State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Whittier College | Whittier College, CA | 1231 | 27 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO | 1199 | 26 |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1201 | 26 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Truman State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Truman State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1238 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1237 | 26 |
| Cornell College | Cornell College, IA | 1253 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Truman State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agriculture, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Truman State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $56280 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Truman State University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $22335 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Truman State University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Truman State University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Truman State University is 45.05 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Truman State University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.81. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Truman State University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.51, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Truman State University with a 3.51 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.51 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Truman State University if my GPA is below 3.41
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.81, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Truman State University?
Answer: Admission to Truman State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1246 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1070-1330
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Truman State University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Truman State University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Truman State University?
Answer: The campus culture at Truman State University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Truman State University?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Truman State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.