Minnesota State University Moorhead: 56.6% Acceptance Rate

56.6%Acceptance

$10,336Tuition

3,120Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,527Earnings

#13 in MinnesotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead has built a reputation as a solid regional choice for students seeking affordable education with strong teacher preparation and music programs. The campus serves 3,120 students in Moorhead's midsize suburban setting. The university accepts 57% of applicants, drawing primarily from Minnesota and neighboring states. Students here know MSUM for its hands-on approach to education and close faculty relationships.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $17,816 after aid, with low-income families paying just $13,260. Graduates earn a median of $50,527 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,000 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $212. The same tuition rate applies to both in-state and out-of-state students at $10,336.

The student body skews heavily female at 63%. Nearly three-quarters of students return for their sophomore year, though only 55% graduate within four years. The Dragons compete in NCAA Division II with 336 student-athletes across 12 sports. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain relatively small for a public university. Employment rates hit 97% for recent graduates.

Academics & Faculty

Minnesota State University Moorhead built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse, training educators for the Upper Midwest since 1919. The university maintains strong programs in music and education that attract students across the region. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more individual attention than at larger state universities. However, the 55% four-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete degrees or transfer elsewhere. The 54% acceptance rate makes admission moderately competitive for a regional full university. As a typical regional institution, MSUM offers broad undergraduate programs designed to serve local workforce needs rather than modern research opportunities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 57.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.6%
Retention Rate: 72.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,527
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$66,325
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$64,865
Construction Management.	Bachelor	$64,865
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$58,402
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Doctoral	$53,775
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$52,107
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$51,690
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$48,823
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$48,600
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$48,265

View all 105 programs →

Campus Life

The campus sits just across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, putting you minutes from a metropolitan area of over 200,000 people. With housing for 1,482 students and total enrollment of 3,120, nearly half the student body lives on campus. This creates a close-knit residential feel where you'll recognize faces walking between classes.

Winter dominates the academic year with temperatures regularly dropping below zero, so invest in a serious coat. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the Dragons compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports that draw solid crowds. With 336 total athletes receiving $1.4 million in scholarships, sports culture runs strong here. The music program has deep roots, and you'll hear ensembles practicing across campus. Weekends often center around Fargo-Moorhead's restaurant scene, outdoor recreation along the river, or heading to Fargo for shopping and entertainment. The 72% retention rate reflects students who find their groove in this prairie college town atmosphere.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,482 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1919

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	2	2
Rape	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 0°–17°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 26.1"
Annual Snowfall: 52.7"

Student Demographics

Minnesota State University Moorhead draws a predominantly local crowd, with 68% of students coming from Minnesota. The student body leans heavily female at 64%, reflecting the university's strong reputation in education and social services programs that historically attract more women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class families in the Red River Valley region. The Dragons attract students who want quality teacher preparation and music programs without leaving their home state or breaking the bank.

Men: 36.5%
Women: 63.5%
White: 78.0%
Black: 5.2%
Hispanic: 4.9%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 68.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.5%

Location

Moorhead sits just across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, creating a metropolitan area of about 250,000 people. The twin cities form the largest urban center for 150 miles in any direction across the northern Great Plains. With Concordia College also in Moorhead and North Dakota State University in Fargo, the area maintains a strong college town atmosphere despite its regional center status. The flat prairie landscape stretches endlessly in all directions, with agriculture dominating the economy outside the metro area. Winters are notoriously harsh, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Minnesota State University Moorhead with similar schools in the region.

Address: Moorhead, Minnesota 56563

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,527
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,486
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $212/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead?

Minnesota State University Moorhead accepts 56.62% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1080 and 1290 on the SAT. This regional comprehensive university focuses on accessible higher education for students in the Red River Valley region.

How much does Minnesota State University Moorhead cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $17,816 after financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $13,260. The university charges the same $10,336 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. Graduates leave with a median debt of $20,000 and monthly loan payments of $212.

What academic programs is Minnesota State University Moorhead known for?

The university has built a strong reputation for teacher preparation and music programs, serving the regional education needs. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,120 enrolled students, classes remain relatively small. The campus operates on a semester system and offers comprehensive undergraduate programming typical of regional state universities.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Minnesota State University Moorhead?

The university graduates 55.05% of students within four years and 54.60% within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,527 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 97.4% employment rate. The loan repayment rate of 66.40% reflects the practical career preparation the university provides.

Where is Minnesota State University Moorhead located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Moorhead, a mid-size suburban city on the Minnesota-North Dakota border. With housing capacity for 1,482 students out of 3,120 total enrollment, about half can live on campus. The student body is 63.49% female and 77.98% white, with 68.36% coming from Minnesota.

Does Minnesota State University Moorhead offer Division I athletics?

The Dragons compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, fielding 12 varsity sports teams. The athletic program supports 336 student-athletes with $1,446,258 in athletic scholarships. This level allows students to compete seriously while maintaining focus on academics at this teaching-oriented institution.