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#5 Best Public Universities in Minnesota

MSU Moorhead Admission Requirements

Moorhead, Minnesota

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Your chances of getting into Minnesota State University Moorhead

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

56.6%
Admission Difficulty for Minnesota State University Moorhead
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Moderate 
Applicant Competition Average 

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.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

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

MSU Moorhead GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.52

Typical High School Grades 

B+

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.

High School GPA's for admitted Minnesota State University Moorhead students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 8.59% Good
3.75 to 3.99 30.3% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 21.89% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 14.14% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 13.12% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 9.26% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 2.53% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.17% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

MSU Moorhead SAT Scores

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 Range 

1080-1290

Applicants Submitting SAT 

1%
SAT Scores for Minnesota State University Moorhead
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 520
Math 25th Percentile 560
Composite 25th Percentile 1080
SAT Scores for Minnesota State University Moorhead
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 680
Math 75th Percentile 610
Composite 75th Percentile 1290
Average SAT Score 1190

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.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

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.

Minnesota State University Moorhead admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1290 and Above Good >72%
1185 to 1290 Avg + 57%-72%
1080 to 1185 Avg - 41%-57%
975 to 1080 Reach 27%-41%
Less than 975 Low <27%
Calculate My Chances 

MSU Moorhead ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

18-24 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

72%
ACT Scores for Minnesota State University Moorhead
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 16
Math 25th Percentile 17
Composite 25th Percentile 18
ACT Scores for Minnesota State University Moorhead
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 23
Math 75th Percentile 24
Composite 75th Percentile 24
Average ACT Score 21

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

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

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.

Minnesota State University Moorhead admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
24 and Above Good >72%
21 to 24 Avg + 57%-72%
18 to 21 Avg - 41%-57%
15 to 18 Reach 27%-41%
Less than 15 Low <27%
Calculate My Chances 

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.

High School Class Rank for admitted Minnesota State University Moorhead students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 12%
Top 25% of class 35%
Top 50% of class 74%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

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

Minnesota State University Moorhead admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 2,247 1,646 3,898
Accepted 1,426 778 2,207
Acceptance Rate 63% 47% 57%
Enrolled 425 205 632
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 30% 26% 29%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

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?

Minnesota State University Moorhead Application Requirements
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 Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Minnesota State University Moorhead
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

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.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Minnesota State University Moorhead often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=174358 IPEDS survey data for Minnesota State University Moorhead.

FAQs

Does Minnesota State University Moorhead prefer SAT or ACT?

1% of students submit their SAT scores to MSU Moorhead. 72% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into Minnesota State University Moorhead?

57% of those who apply are granted admission to MSU Moorhead. Admission competition is low and the college has moderate admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.

What SAT score is required for Minnesota State University Moorhead?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1080 and 1290. The average SAT score is 1185. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for Minnesota State University Moorhead?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 18 and 24. The average ACT score is 21. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.