MSU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at MSU is 72.2%.  Its admission rate is the 4th lowest in North Dakota.

Admission Selectivity

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

MSU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 538 out of the 745 who applied were admitted.

Minot State University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.42. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. Of those applicants who were admitted, 68% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.

Can you get into MSU?

72% 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 Minot State University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.42 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1060 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 Minot State University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into MSU are to have around a 3.42 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as MSU accepts 72% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at MSU is 3.42 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 #3 in North Dakota for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since MSU 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 3.4 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 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Minot State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 8% of students submitted SAT scores and 58% 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 Minot State University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at MSU is 1060 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 930-1180. Students who get into Minot State University score in the top 73 percent of all SAT test takers..  MSU ranks #6 in the state of North Dakota for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1060 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. MSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 930 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 930, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 800, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Minot State University 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 1060 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 1055, you have around a 72% chance of being admitted. A 1180 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 83% 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?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to MSU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24.  The school ranks #4 in North Dakota 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.

58 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Minot State University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Minot State University 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 for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 72% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 83% with a 24 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

64% of Minot State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 34% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

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

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Minot State University is $35.

Application Requirements

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

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because MSU is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.42 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1060 on the SAT and 21 on the ACT will further lock in your application.