Admit rate has ranged 53%–72% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, regional university that operates as a practical, accessible gateway to a four-year degree in the Upper Midwest. It’s defined by its straightforward admissions, a focus on career-ready programs like nursing and education, and a campus culture deeply intertwined with the neighboring Fargo community. This is a no-frills institution where value, proximity to a vibrant metro area, and solid post-graduation employment outcomes are the primary draws.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
3,072
In-state tuition
$10,428
Out-of-state tuition
$10,428
Early Decision
Not offered
No-Loan Policy
No
Graduation Rate
57%
Meets Full Need
No
ED Share of Class
0%
First-Year Retention
Not stated in sources
Demonstrated Interest
Not considered
Median Earnings (10yr)
$50,527
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,527
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.8×
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
Graduation rate
57%
First-year retention
75%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
66%
Pell (lower-income) share
28%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
20%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer Science$66,325
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$64,865
Construction Management$64,865
Accounting and Related Services$46,999
Sociology$45,500
Finance and Financial Management Services$43,240
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
5
Per 1,000 students
1.22
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
88
Summer high
82°F
Winter low
6°F
Annual rain
25.3"
Annual snow
41.2"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
95
Scholarly works
2,221
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead's acceptance rate is approximately 59% (Moorhead, MN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does Minnesota State University Moorhead cost?
At Minnesota State University Moorhead, the average net price (after aid) is about $17,997 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead enrolls approximately 3,072 undergraduate students.
Where is Minnesota State University Moorhead located?
Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN.
Admissions
MSUM's admissions process is best described as accessible and straightforward, functioning more like a traditional public university with rolling consideration than a highly selective gatekeeper. The university reports an of 59%, placing it in the 'less selective' category. Standardized test scores (ACT and SAT) are officially optional for general admission, though they may be considered for scholarship opportunities. For those who do submit scores, the middle 50% ACT range is typically between 18 and 25, and the SAT range falls between 970 and 1,210. The university does not appear to have a binding Early Decision program, instead relying on a priority deadline (December 1) and space-available admissions that continue well past that date. Demonstrated interest is not a formal factor in admissions decisions, aligning with its role as an open-access public institution within the Minnesota State system.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Business Administration, Management and Operations$41,689
Special Education and Teaching$39,153
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academic life at MSUM is built around a portfolio of over 50 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs, with a clear emphasis on fields that lead directly to careers in the region. The university offers baccalaureate degrees, certificates, and licensures across its colleges. While not known for cutthroat academic competition, it provides a focused, practical education. A notable point of distinction is the Honors College, which is housed in the renovated $23 million Weld Hall and offers an enhanced academic experience for high-achieving students across all majors. The institutional identity is firmly rooted in providing an 'exceptional education at an unrivaled value,' as stated on its homepage. Discussions about the school's quality often center on its value proposition and the strength of specific programs, like nursing and education, rather than national prestige.
The MSUM experience is inextricably linked to its location in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, a twin-cities community that punches above its weight in arts and culture. The campus itself hosts over five cultural and identity centers and multiple on-campus events per week, fostering a close-knit community. However, student life truly expands into the broader region. Moorhead and neighboring Fargo support a community theater, symphony orchestra, civic opera company, and a dense array of local bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The university's Student Life office actively promotes engagement with this vibrant local scene, from outdoor festivals and theater performances to local exhibits. This blend of a traditional residential campus with immediate access to the amenities and internship opportunities of a mid-sized metro area is a defining characteristic of the MSUM student experience.
MSUM's outcomes data tells a story of a university serving a diverse student body with mixed academic preparedness, leading to a significant transfer-out rate but strong employment results for those who persist. The overall graduation rate is 57%, but when combined with the 29% of students who transfer to another institution, the overall positive outcome rate reaches 81%. For graduates, the results are robust: 92% are employed in their field one year after graduation. Specific programs boast exceptional metrics, including a 93.75% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX for nursing students and a 100% licensure rate for education graduates. In terms of earnings, graduates see a median income of $50,527 ten years after entry, with reported earnings of $44,449 one year out and $53,486 five years after graduation.
Value is the cornerstone of MSUM's financial proposition. The average after aid is $17,997, and 58% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average aid package of around $12,000. The university provides a Net Price Calculator to help families estimate their out-of-pocket costs, which include tuition, fees, books, and supplies. MSUM utilizes a standard financial aid model common to public regional universities, offering a mix of scholarships, grants, and loans. There is no indication of a 'no-loan' policy or a commitment to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students; aid is awarded based on eligibility from federal, state, and institutional sources. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, completing at least 66.667% of their cumulative attempted credits, to remain eligible for aid.
Minnesota State University Moorhead stands out not for exclusivity or Ivy-covered walls, but for its pragmatic, high-value role in the Upper Midwest's educational ecosystem. Its defining feature is the seamless integration of a manageable, supportive campus environment with the cultural and professional opportunities of the Fargo-Moorhead metro area—a combination rare for a public university of its size and price point. It excels in turning out work-ready professionals, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing and education, with near-perfect licensure pass rates and 92% in-field employment. While its graduation rate reflects the challenges of serving a broad-access mission, its outcomes for persisting students are strong, and its financial model delivers a clear return on investment. For students seeking a direct path to a stable career without excessive debt, and who value a college town feel with city amenities next door, MSUM represents a singularly practical and compelling choice.
Minnesota State University Moorhead seal · sourceMinnesota State University Moorhead | MSUM, Liberal Arts, Education | Britannica · sourceHousing & Residence Life at Minnesota State Moorhead · sourceMinnesota State Moorhead History & Traditions · source
