MSU Admission Requirements

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4 Year
Minot, ND
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#3 Best Public Universities in North Dakota

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MSU Admission Overview

MSU admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year MSU admitted 64.6% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.42 GPA (B+) and SAT 930-1140 / ACT 18-24. MSU 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 is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.

Source: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

MSU Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

64.6%

Admission Standards

Very Easy

Applicant Competition

Low

Very Low

Low

Average

High

Very High

Extreme

Acceptance Rate

The MSU acceptance rate is 64.6%. Last year, 453 of 701 applicants were admitted. That is the 3rd lowest acceptance rate 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, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Minot State University typically 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 admitted, 78% enrolled. That suggests MSU is the top choice for most students who are offered a place.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

MSU GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.42

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.42

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at MSU typically have around a 3.42 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. MSU is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #3 in North Dakota for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Minot State University freshmen
High School GPA	Freshmen Within Range	Competitiveness
4.0	9.0%	Good
3.75 to 3.99	23.0%	Avg +
3.50 to 3.74	18.0%	Avg +
3.25 to 3.49	16.0%	Avg -
3.00 to 3.24	15.0%	Reach
2.50 to 2.99	14.0%	Reach
2.00 to 2.49	5.0%	Low
1.00 to 1.99	0%	Low
less than 1.00	0%	Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

MSU SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

930-1140

Freshmen who sent SAT

25th Percentile Scores

Reading 500
Math 430
Composite 930

75th Percentile Scores

Reading 570
Math 570
Composite 1140

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at MSU typically score around a 1040 SAT (middle 50% 930–1140) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 47th percentile nationally. MSU ranks #5 in the state of North Dakota for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 930 to 1140

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

MSU 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 1040 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.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Minot State University
SAT Score (1600 scale)	Competitiveness	Admission Chances
1140+	Above 75th	>78%
1040 to 1140	Avg +	66%-78%
930 to 1040	Avg -	49%-66%
Below 930	Below mid-50	<49%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

MSU ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

18-24

Freshmen reporting ACT

54%

25th Percentile Scores

English 16
Math 17
Composite 18

75th Percentile Scores

English 23
Math 24
Composite 24

Average ACT

Incoming testers at MSU 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 places #4 among colleges in North Dakota for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 18 to 24

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to MSU 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.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Minot State University
ACT Score (36 scale)	Competitiveness	Admission Chances
24+	Above 75th	>78%
21 to 24	Avg +	65%-78%
18 to 21	Avg -	49%-65%
Below 18	Below mid-50	<49%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

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

High School Class Rank for admitted Minot State University students
High School Class Rank	Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class	11%
Top 25% of class	34%
Top 50% of class	64%

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 chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

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

Minot State University admission statistics
	Women	Men	Total
Applied	410	291	701
Accepted	266	187	453
Acceptance Rate	65%	64%	65%
Enrolled	217	136	353
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield)	82%	73%	78%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

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

Minot State University application requirements
Requirement	Used for Admission
Test Scores	Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA	Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank	Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program	Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Recommendations	Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies	Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Jun 30, 2027

Days left to Apply

303

Applicants have 303 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jun 30, 2027.

Application Fee

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

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Minot State University
Credit Type	Accepted
AP Credit	Yes
Dual Credit	Yes
Credit for Life Experiences	No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

MSU is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 64.6% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.42 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (930-1140); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025