Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Minot, North Dakota |
| Online | minotstateu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Minot State University, located in north-central North Dakota in the city of Minot, operates as the state's third-largest public university. The 130-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings set on a hill overlooking the Souris River Valley. Founded in 1913 as a normal school for teacher training, MSU has evolved into a comprehensive public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in education, business, nursing, and social work. The university maintains a traditional residential campus environment with multiple student housing options, including three residence halls and apartment-style living facilities. While competing in NCAA Division II athletics as the Beavers, the institution places primary emphasis on its academic programs and serves a significant population of students from rural North Dakota and neighboring Canadian provinces.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
MSU is rated within the lower 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Minot State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#662 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#221 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in North Dakota
#5 in Best Public Colleges in North Dakota
#11 in Best Value Colleges in North Dakota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 930/1180 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jun 30, 2026 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $35 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Other Fees | $1,466 |
| Room and Board | $8,058 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,902 |
| Total One Year Cost | $21,694 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 36% |
| Education | 16% |
| Health Professions | 13% |
| Human Services | 6% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering MSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=200253 IPEDS survey data for Minot State University.
Current students may use the Minot State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025