Overview
Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately selective public four-year institution in Moorhead, Minnesota. The school accepts 56.6% of applicants and enrolls 3,120 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 56.6%
- Average SAT
- 1,185
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,080–1,290
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 3,120
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Minnesota State University Moorhead operates on rolling admissions, so apply early to secure your spot and maximize scholarship opportunities. The university processes applications as they arrive, giving you an advantage if you submit your materials by December for fall admission.
Your application essay should highlight specific connections to MSUM's programs or campus community. Write about the new Integrated Engineering Center if you're pursuing engineering or computer science, or discuss the university's clinical partnerships with Sanford Health if nursing interests you. The construction management program partners directly with local contractors, providing real job placement connections worth mentioning if that's your intended major.
MSUM's Honors Program requires a separate application and personal statement. Submit this even if your test scores fall slightly below typical honors ranges, as the program considers leadership experience and community involvement heavily. Honors students get priority registration and smaller class sizes across all majors.
The campus sits right on the Minnesota-North Dakota border, creating a unique cross-state student body. Many students appreciate this small-city feel while having access to the larger Fargo metro area just across the Red River. The student population includes many first-generation college students and working adults, creating a supportive environment for students balancing multiple responsibilities.
Submit your FAFSA early since Minnesota residents qualify for state grant programs with limited funding. MSUM also offers work-study positions in academic departments that directly relate to your major, giving you relevant experience while helping pay for school.
Your application doesn't require letters of recommendation, but you can submit them if they add something significant to your profile. Focus instead on crafting a strong personal statement that explains your academic goals and how MSUM's specific resources will help you achieve them. Mention particular faculty members you'd like to work with or research opportunities that interest you.
Campus visits happen year-round, and admissions counselors encourage prospective students to attend classes in their intended major. Schedule these visits during the academic year to get an authentic sense of student life and academic expectations.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $17,816/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $10,336
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,336
- Students Receiving Aid
- 27%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,527/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 72.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students must also meet Minnesota State system course requirements including four years of English, three years of math, three years of science, and three years of social studies.
Does Minnesota State University Moorhead require SAT or ACT scores?
Minnesota State University Moorhead has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead has rolling admissions with priority deadlines of December 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. Applications are accepted after these dates on a space-available basis.
How do transfer credits work at Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions with grades of C or better. Students need at least 30 transferable credits to be considered transfer students rather than first-year applicants.