MSU Moorhead Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at MSU Moorhead is 56.6%.  Its admission rate is the 6th lowest in Minnesota.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into MSU Moorhead and can you get accepted?

MSU Moorhead is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 2,207 out of the 3,898 who applied were admitted.

Minnesota State University Moorhead typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.52. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 29% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into MSU Moorhead?

57% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Minnesota State University Moorhead you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.52 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1190 on the SAT
• Score 21 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Minnesota State University Moorhead?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into MSU Moorhead are to have around a 3.52 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as MSU Moorhead accepts 57% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at MSU Moorhead is 3.52 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #14 in Minnesota for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since MSU Moorhead is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Minnesota State University Moorhead. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 1% of students submitted SAT scores and 72% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Minnesota State University Moorhead?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at MSU Moorhead is 1190 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1080-1290. Students who get into Minnesota State University Moorhead score in the top 45 percent of all SAT test takers..  MSU Moorhead ranks #13 in the state of Minnesota for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1190 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. MSU Moorhead regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1080 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1080, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 970, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1190 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1185, you have around a 57% chance of being admitted. A 1290 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 72% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into MSU Moorhead?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to MSU Moorhead is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24.  The school ranks #23 in Minnesota for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 15.

Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 72 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Minnesota State University Moorhead is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into MSU Moorhead for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 57% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 72% with a 24 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

74% of Minnesota State University Moorhead freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 35% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Minnesota State University Moorhead is $20.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Minnesota State University Moorhead and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because MSU Moorhead is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.52 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 1190 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1290 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 21 on the ACT places you in a strong position.