Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Minot, North Dakota
72.2% Acceptance Rate
Minot State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
72.2%Acceptance Rate
3.42Avg GPA
1084Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$18,141Annual Cost
$51,759Grad Salary
24.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
72.2%
Avg GPA
3.42
Avg SAT
1084
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
930–1180
ACT Middle 50%
18–24
Avg Net Price
$12,514
Need-Based Aid
24.1% receive Pell
Minot State University is a public institution in North Dakota known for its commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and accessible education. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university provides a supportive campus environment that fosters critical inquiry and professional preparation. Its focus on providing a high-value, reliable, and well-rounded education makes it an excellent choice for students aiming to achieve their academic and career goals.
Minot State University Acceptance Rate
Minot State University takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 72.2% each year.
What MSU 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 — 72.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.42 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.22 – 3.41
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.97
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Minot State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Minot State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
MSU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (FAFSA Priority: 2026/04/15) 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 GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at MSU is 3.42. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.12–3.42 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.62–3.82.MSU 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
3.42 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.22 – 3.41
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.02 – 3.21
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.01
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Minot State is test-optional for general admission (no SAT/ACT required), with a minimum cumulative high school GPA requirement of 2.5.
- Nursing admission uses a points-based ranking formula (support-course GPA ? 5, capped at 20 points, plus TEAS-tier points) with application deadlines of September 15 (Spring) and February 1 (Fall).
- A student who has been accepted into the nursing program twice without success, or been dismissed, is permanently ineligible for readmission.
- MSU offers Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) tuition reciprocity (capped at 150% of in-state rate) for residents of seven Midwest states, plus a formal partnership with the Community College of the Air Force at Minot AFB.
- 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
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Minot State University'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.
Minot State University (MSU) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at MSU. 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 Without SAT or ACT?
MSU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Minot State University Average SAT Score: 1084
Admitted students at Minot State University average a 1084 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1084 — Accessible
A 1084 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1180 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Minot State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 930? A retake is worth it at MSU. 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 | 525 | 450 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 530 | 480 | 580 |
| SAT Composite | 1084 | 930 | 1180 |
A score under 930 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1180+ 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 Minot State University (MSU) with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in MSU'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.
Minot State University (MSU) ACT Requirements
MSU's admitted students average an ACT of 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
An average of 21 leaves room above it for a competitive application.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 24 |
Can I get into Minot State University with a 24 ACT?
At 24, you're in the top quarter of MSU'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 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
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
MSU is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Use the Minot AFB / GEM pathway if you're military-affiliated - it changes your whole application
Minot State runs a 50+ year partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) through its General Education Mobile (GEM) program, offering gen-ed coursework at Minot Air Force Base itself, and waives the application fee outright for Air Force/Space Force active duty and North Dakota Air National Guard members. If you or a family member is active-duty or Guard-affiliated, apply through the Military Resource Center pathway rather than the general freshman pipeline - it unlocks fee waivers and course scheduling built specifically around deployment and base life.
Check the Midwest Student Exchange reciprocity before assuming out-of-state pricing
If you're a resident of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin, Minot State's Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) caps your tuition at no more than 150% of in-state resident rates for eligible programs - a substantial discount most out-of-state applicants don't realize applies to them until after they've already budgeted for full out-of-state tuition. Confirm your MSEP eligibility and target program before finalizing your cost comparison against other regional schools.
For Nursing, treat the "10-year science rule" as a real deadline on your prerequisites
Minot State's nursing major requires that all required science courses be completed within 10 years prior to admission - a policy easy to miss if you took AP or early-college science years before applying, unless you can document recent clinical practice in a related health role. Sequence or retake any aging science prerequisite well before your nursing application rather than assuming older credit will simply transfer in.
Build your nursing ranking score around the GPA multiplier, not just the TEAS
Minot State's nursing admission ranks applicants using required-support-course GPA multiplied by 5 (capped at 20 points) plus TEAS-tier points (Proficient=1, Advanced=3, Exemplary=5) - meaning your support-course GPA carries roughly 4x the maximum weight of your TEAS tier in the ranking formula. Prioritize retaking any support course where you scored below a B before applying, since a GPA improvement moves your ranking score more than a marginal TEAS score bump would.
Expert Insight:
A specific and avoidable failure at Minot State's nursing program is applying with science prerequisites older than the 10-year window without realizing the clock has run out, or applying a third time after two unsuccessful admissions/dismissals - MSU explicitly states a student who has been accepted twice without success, or been dismissed, is permanently ineligible for readmission to the program, making the first two attempts effectively your only real chances.
MSU Profile
Full Name
Minot State University (MSU)
City
Minot
State
North Dakota
ZIP Code
58707
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a MSU Degree Worth It?
At $18,141/year against a $51,759 median graduate salary, MSU 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 $47,100, and graduates see a 3.07% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from MSU Cost?
Listed tuition runs $18,141/year at MSU. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $12,514.
At MSU, 24.1% receive a Pell Grant and 37.2% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming MSU on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a MSU Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, MSU graduates report a median income of $51,759, about 28% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Minot State University. 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 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Minot State University. 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 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Minot State University. 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 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at MSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About MSU Admissions
Minot State University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $51,759/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Minot State University is relatively affordable, around $18,141/year.
24.1% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Minot State University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Minot State University's acceptance rate is 72.2%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Minot State University students is 3.42, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.12 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Minot State University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.02 or below makes admission tougher at Minot State University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Minot State University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1084, and within the 930–1180 range, keeps you competitive.
Minot State University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
Minot State University charges an application fee of 35; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before FAFSA Priority: 2026/04/15. That's Minot State University'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.
Explore Other Options
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