Minot State University: 93.2% Acceptance Rate

93.2%Acceptance

$8,634Tuition

2,072Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,759Earnings

#14 in North DakotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Minot State University

Minot State University serves 2,072 students in the small city of Minot, North Dakota, where winters are long and the campus community is tight-knit. This public university has been training teachers, nurses, and business professionals since 1913, with many graduates staying in North Dakota to work in education, healthcare, and energy industries. The 93% acceptance rate means almost everyone who applies gets in, making it accessible to students who might struggle elsewhere.

The school charges $8,634 for tuition regardless of whether you live in North Dakota or somewhere else. After financial aid, most students pay an average net price of $12,514 per year, which includes room and board. Graduates typically earn $51,759 ten years after leaving school, while carrying median debt of $19,609. That debt translates to monthly payments of about $208, which is manageable given the earning potential.

Women make up 62% of the student body, and about 60% of students come from in-state. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes and personal attention from professors. The Beavers compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, and 382 students participate in athletics. With a 48% six-year graduation rate, finishing your degree here requires commitment, but the 97% employment rate shows graduates find work.

Academics & Faculty

Minot State University operates as a full public university that serves students across North Dakota and beyond with practical, career-focused programs. The school offers solid undergraduate education with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personal attention from professors. However, the 47.80% six-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to finish or change paths along the way. Minot State is particularly known for its teacher education programs, which have trained educators for rural communities across the region for over a century. The university also offers strong programs in business, nursing, and communication arts. Many students choose Minot State because it provides a traditional college experience at an affordable price point while preparing graduates for immediate employment in their fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 46.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.8%
Retention Rate: 71.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,759
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$63,666
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$57,318
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$48,823
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$48,667
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$42,682
Social Work.	Bachelor	$41,565
International Business.	Bachelor	$39,909
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$39,729
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$39,369
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$38,829

View all 76 programs →

Campus Life

Minot sits about 100 miles from the Canadian border in north-central North Dakota, where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow can last from November through March. You'll definitely need a heavy coat and warm boots. The campus houses 633 students in dorms, which means about 30% of the 2,072 total students live on campus. Most others commute from town or nearby areas.

Campus life moves at a smaller pace than you'd find at major universities. With 13 varsity sports and 382 total athletes, games draw decent crowds, especially hockey and football. The Beavers compete in NCAA Division II, so athletics are competitive but not overwhelming. Students often head to local coffee shops downtown or gather in residence halls on weekends. The nearby Souris River offers outdoor activities when weather permits. Greek life exists but isn't huge. Many students work part-time jobs in town, which helps explain why 97.3% find employment after graduation. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, but the 71.59% retention rate suggests the rural setting and harsh winters aren't for everyone.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 633 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1913

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 4°–23°F
July Avg: 58°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 16.7"
Annual Snowfall: 45.1"

Student Demographics

Minot State draws mostly North Dakota residents who want quality education without leaving home. The student body leans heavily female at 62%, reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that traditionally attract women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves working families who need affordable options. With 59% in-state enrollment, this is clearly a regional school that North Dakotans trust for practical degrees. The school accepts 93% of applicants, making it accessible to students across the academic spectrum who value small classes and personal attention.

Men: 38.3%
Women: 61.7%
White: 64.0%
Black: 4.5%
Hispanic: 9.5%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 59.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.1%

Location

Minot State University sits in Minot, North Dakota, a city of about 48,000 people in the north-central part of the state. The campus is roughly 110 miles from Fargo and 150 miles from Bismarck, making it relatively isolated from other major population centers. Minot serves as a regional center for agriculture and oil industry workers, giving the area an economic stability that many rural college towns lack. The surrounding Great Plains landscape offers wide open spaces and harsh winters, which shapes campus life . With 59.34% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with North Dakota's small-town culture and outdoor lifestyle. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Minot State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Minot, North Dakota 58707

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,759
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,840
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 71.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $208/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,609

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Minot State University?

Minot State University accepts 93.17% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average ACT score is 20, reflecting the school's open-door mission to serve North Dakota students. This public university prioritizes opportunity over selectivity.

How much does Minot State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Minot State University is $12,514 annually. Students pay the same $8,634 tuition whether they're from North Dakota or out-of-state, making it unusually affordable for non-residents. Low-income families typically pay around $8,840 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Minot State University?

Minot State University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,072 students. This small university atmosphere allows for personal attention in classes. The school is known for its teacher education and business programs that serve the northern Great Plains region.

What are the graduation outcomes at Minot State University?

Minot State University graduates 47.80% of students within six years, with a 71.59% first-year retention rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $51,759 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 97.3%, reflecting strong job placement in North Dakota's energy and agriculture sectors.

Where do students live at Minot State University?

Minot State University houses 633 students on campus, serving a student body that is 59.34% from North Dakota. Women make up 61.68% of enrollment at this former teachers college. The small-city setting provides a close-knit community atmosphere in North Dakota's Magic City.

Does Minot State University have strong athletics?

Minot State University fields 13 varsity sports teams competing as the Beavers in NCAA Division II. The athletic program awards $1,519,635 in scholarships to 382 student-athletes. The school competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference against regional rivals across the upper Midwest.