MSU Moorhead Admission Requirements
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- 4 Year
- Moorhead, MN
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MSU Moorhead Admission Overview
MSU Moorhead admission requirements are competitive. Last year MSU Moorhead admitted 58.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.52 GPA (A-) and SAT 1080-1290 / ACT 18-24. MSU Moorhead is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
MSU Moorhead is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
MSU Moorhead Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Average
Admission difficulty for Minnesota State University Moorhead
Acceptance Rate
The MSU Moorhead acceptance rate is 58.8%. Last year, 2,204 of 3,751 applicants were admitted. That is the 8th lowest acceptance rate in Minnesota.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into MSU Moorhead and can you get accepted?
MSU Moorhead is a competitive school to get into, turning away a substantial share of applicants. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
Minnesota State University Moorhead typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.52. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 27% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
MSU Moorhead GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.52Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.52
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at MSU Moorhead typically have around a 3.52 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. MSU Moorhead is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #14 in Minnesota for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
MSU Moorhead SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1080-1290Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
-25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 520
- Math 560
- Composite 1080
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 680
- Math 610
- Composite 1290
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at MSU Moorhead typically score around a 1190 SAT (middle 50% 1080–1290) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 74th percentile nationally. MSU Moorhead ranks #13 in the state of Minnesota for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1080 to 1290
SAT policy
MSU Moorhead is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1190 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
MSU Moorhead ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
18-24Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
51%25th Percentile Scores
- English 16
- Math 17
- Composite 18
75th Percentile Scores
- English 23
- Math 24
- Composite 24
Average ACT
Incoming testers at MSU Moorhead typically have around a 21 ACT (mid-50 18–24) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 57th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. MSU Moorhead places #23 among colleges in Minnesota for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 18 to 24
ACT policy
You may apply to MSU Moorhead without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 21.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
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.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the MSU Moorhead chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Minnesota State University Moorhead and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Minnesota State University Moorhead is $20.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
MSU Moorhead is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 58.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.52 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1080-1290); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Minnesota State University Moorhead often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=174358.
GPA calculator: Minnesota State University Moorhead GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026