If you are looking for a good, affordable public university in the USA that provides a welcoming environment for local and international students alike, then Minot State University (MSU) may be the place for you. Founded in 1913 in the heart of North Dakota, MSU has grown into a comprehensive institution offering more than 60 undergraduate programs and more than 15 graduate programs in areas ranging from business and education to health sciences and information technology.
Minot State is especially attractive to international applicants and scholarship seekers due to a rare policy not found in most US universities: all students, whether from North Dakota, another US state, or another country, pay one flat tuition rate. That one fact changes the financial equation significantly for thousands of students every year.
In this guide you will learn everything about the entire admission process at MSU, required documents, application deadlines, tuition fees and what it really costs to live in Minot, North Dakota.
Overview of Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university in Minot, North Dakota. It is a member of the North Dakota University System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university has approximately 2,700 students and an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, translating into smaller class sizes and more direct access to professors than most large research universities can provide.
MSU is ranked among the top public schools in the regional university midwest category by US News and World Report. In addition, the university is authorized by the US government to provide SEVIS Form I-20 documents to international students applying for F-1 student visas. That makes MSU well-prepared to assist at every stage of the visa process.
MSU offers programs in accounting, finance, marketing, international business, nursing, criminal justice, communication disorders, education, geology, history, computer science, psychology, social work and sports management. Popular graduate programs include the Master of Education, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Sports Management, Master of Science in Special Education and Master of Science in Communication Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology).
MSU Admission Process for Local (Domestic) Students
Domestic applicants, meaning US citizens and permanent residents, go through a relatively straightforward admissions process at Minot State. The university evaluates applicants based primarily on academic record and GPA. High school class rank and letters of recommendation are not required for undergraduate admission.
The acceptance rate at Minot State University sits at approximately 65 to 72 percent, which means the process is moderately selective but accessible to students who have maintained a solid academic record. For graduate programs, applicants generally need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to qualify, though some programs may have additional requirements.
Undergraduate Admission Steps for Domestic Students
The first step is to complete and submit the online application through the official MSU admissions portal. There is a non-refundable application fee of $35, payable by credit card, check, or money order made out to Minot State University.
Along with the application, domestic undergraduate students must submit official high school transcripts or, for transfer students, official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. For students who took standardized tests, SAT or ACT scores may be submitted but are considered on a test-optional basis. The median SAT score for admitted students is approximately 1,060 and the typical ACT composite falls between 18 and 24.
There is no mandatory application deadline at Minot State University. MSU uses a rolling admissions system, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. However, students planning to start in the fall semester are strongly encouraged to apply by April 1 of the preceding spring. Students entering in subsequent semesters should apply at least one month before their intended start date.
Graduate Admission for Domestic Students
Domestic graduate applicants must submit the online graduate application along with the $35 non-refundable application fee. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities are required, with the originating institution sending them directly to the MSU Graduate School. Graduate applicants also need to upload a Statement of Purpose of at least 500 words describing their academic goals and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at MSU. Most programs also require a resume or curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic or professional background.
Some programs have additional requirements. The Master of Science in Management (MSM) program may require GRE scores if the cumulative GPA is below 3.0. The Master of Science in Communication Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) requires a minimum GRE writing section score of 3.5. Immunization documentation is also required before enrollment but not for the initial admission decision.
MSU Admission Process for International Students
International applicants follow a more detailed process at Minot State, given the additional requirements around visa documentation, credential evaluation, and financial proof. The Office of International Programs at MSU handles these cases and works directly with applicants to guide them through each step.
Admission for international students is described by the university as a selective process that evaluates English language proficiency, academic achievements, financial resources, and student visa eligibility. The university is authorized to issue SEVIS I-20 forms, which are the critical documents international students use to apply for an F-1 student visa.
International Undergraduate Admission Requirements
The first step for international undergraduate applicants is submitting the online application along with the $35 USD application fee. International students may pay using Flywire, a wire transfer service, or by mailing a US check or money order.
Academic records from outside the United States must be professionally evaluated before MSU can review them. International high school credentials must be submitted to one of the approved evaluating services: World Education Services (WES) or Education Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). The evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation with English translation. The cost of this evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant.
International students must also demonstrate English language proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores are as follows. The TOEFL Internet-Based Test requires a minimum score of 79. The IELTS requires a minimum overall band score of 6.0. The Duolingo English Test requires a minimum score of 100. All test scores must have been taken within the past two years at the time of application. Applicants who have completed at least two years of study at a regionally accredited US college or university in good standing, or who have completed Composition I and II with a grade of at least B, may be eligible for an English proficiency waiver.
In addition to these documents, international undergraduate applicants must complete the Application for Form I-20 and Certification of Financial Responsibility, which proves they have sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of their studies. A photocopy of the passport page containing personal information is also required, as it will be used to generate the I-20 form.
Once all documents are submitted, MSU typically notifies applicants of their admission status within two weeks. Full acceptance is not granted until all requirements are met.
Apply as an International Student at Minot State UniversityInternational Graduate Admission Requirements
For graduate-level international applicants, the process includes everything required for graduate domestic applicants plus the international-specific requirements. In addition to the $35 application fee, online application, Statement of Purpose, resume, and three letters of recommendation, international graduate students must submit the following.
Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities, evaluated course by course by either World Education Services (WES) or Education Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE), are required. Canadian applicants and students from MSU's formalized partner institutions are exempt from the credential evaluation requirement and can send official transcripts directly to the MSU Graduate School.
English proficiency scores are also required at the graduate level. The TOEFL Internet-Based Test minimum score is 79. The IELTS minimum overall band score is 6.0. The Duolingo English Test minimum score is 105 for graduate programs. International students who have earned a degree from an English-speaking institution within the past 10 years may apply for an English proficiency waiver.
For students currently enrolled at another US institution on an F-1 visa, a Transfer Clearance Form signed by both the applicant and the international coordinator at the current school is required to transfer the SEVIS record to Minot State University.
Apply for a Graduate Program at Minot State UniversityInternational Student Visa Steps After Admission
Once accepted, international students need to follow several additional steps before arriving on campus. First, the student must collect the I-20 form sent by the MSU Admissions Office and sign the bottom of page one with the date. Next, the SEVIS fee must be paid to the US Department of Homeland Security at least three business days before applying for the student visa. The student then schedules and attends a US Embassy or Consulate interview for the F-1 visa, bringing the I-20 form and all required supporting documents. After receiving the visa, the student should report to the MSU Office of International Programs upon arrival. The I-20 must be re-endorsed by the Office of International Programs at the end of each semester to confirm full-time enrollment status.
It is worth noting that North Dakota state law requires proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella before registration. Students aged 21 and younger attending classes on campus must also show documentation of at least one dose of meningococcal vaccine.
When to Apply to Minot State University
Understanding when to apply can make a real difference in your ability to secure housing, financial aid, and visa processing time.
Minot State University operates on a rolling admissions basis with no hard application deadline. That said, there are windows that every applicant should aim for. Fall semester applicants should submit their completed applications by April 1. Spring semester applicants should aim to apply by November 1. Summer applicants should submit applications at least one month before classes begin.
International students need more lead time than domestic applicants because of the I-20 issuance and visa processing steps. In practice, international students should aim to have all documents submitted at least three to four months before their intended start date. The visa appointment and SEVIS process alone can take several weeks depending on the country of origin.
Note that applications are not considered complete until all supporting documents are received. The $35 application fee must be paid before the application is processed.
Minot State University School Fees and Tuition Breakdown
One of the most talked-about aspects of Minot State University is its tuition policy. MSU charges a flat tuition rate that applies equally to all students regardless of whether they are from North Dakota, another US state, or another country. This is unusual among US universities and represents a significant savings for out-of-state and international students who would typically pay two to three times more at other institutions.
For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees at Minot State University total $8,702 per year for all students. This figure breaks down into a base tuition of approximately $7,168, a College and NDSA fee of $1,280, a technology fee of $120, and a ConnectND fee of $132. Per-credit-hour tuition for undergraduate courses is $299.
Graduate tuition and fees for the 2024 to 2025 academic year total $10,886 per year, also applying equally to all students regardless of residency. Per credit hour, graduate tuition is $390.
International students are required to carry health insurance while enrolled at MSU. The cost of the NDUS-designated health insurance policy adds to the annual expenses for most international students. Students from Canada and Norway are exempt from the mandatory health insurance requirement, though they may opt in if they choose.
The full estimated cost of attendance (COA) for the 2024 to 2025 academic year, which includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other living expenses, is approximately $22,138 for both on-campus and off-campus students.
Minot State University Programs and Estimated Costs Table
| Program Level | Tuition and Fees (Per Year) | Per Credit Hour | Books and Supplies | Room and Board (On-Campus) | Total Estimated COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (All Students) | $8,702 | $299 | $1,000 | $8,058 | $22,138 |
| Graduate (All Students) | $10,886 | $390 | $1,000 | $8,058 | ~$24,000+ |
| Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | $35 (one-time) | - | - | - | - |
| International Health Insurance | Required (varies) | - | - | - | Added to COA |
It is important to note that these figures represent the general cost structure. Specific program fees, course fees, and licensure fees may apply on top of the base tuition. Students taking fewer than 12 or more than 18 credits may see tuition adjustments since MSU's flat rate applies to the 12-to-18 credit range for full-time enrollment.
Cost of Living in Minot, North Dakota
Beyond tuition, understanding what everyday life costs in Minot is essential for financial planning. The good news is that Minot is genuinely affordable compared to most US cities where major universities are located.
Overall, Minot's cost of living sits close to the US national average, and in several key categories, it is noticeably lower. Housing in Minot is significantly more affordable than in coastal or metropolitan areas. Grocery prices are lower than the national average. The main areas where costs can be higher are healthcare and, to a lesser extent, transportation, largely because Minot is a car-dependent city with limited public transit options.
Housing Costs in Minot
Students living on campus at MSU have access to residence halls including Cook Hall and McCulloch Hall. On-campus room and board is estimated at $8,058 per academic year based on double occupancy and a base meal plan. Students seeking off-campus housing will find that Minot rental prices are well below the national average. A one-bedroom apartment in the center of Minot runs approximately $940 per month, while apartments further from downtown can be found for around $650 per month. Students who share apartments can reduce this expense significantly.
Food and Groceries
Grocery prices in Minot are roughly 8 percent below the national average, making it easy to eat well on a modest student budget. A bottle of milk costs around $4.47, a dozen eggs costs about $4.80, and a pound of potatoes runs approximately $5.65. Students who cook at home will find their monthly food expenses comfortably manageable. MSU also offers meal plan options for on-campus residents.
Transportation
Minot is a car-centric city, meaning most students will either need a vehicle or rely on rideshare services to get around town. Gas prices in Minot are around $2.93 per gallon, which is competitive. Most campus buildings, essential grocery stores, and pharmacies are within a reasonable distance for students living on or near campus.
Utilities and Other Expenses
Monthly energy bills in Minot average around $157.65. Students should be aware that North Dakota winters are long and cold, which can push heating costs higher during the winter months. Internet and phone costs are similar to national averages. When all expenses are combined, a single student living in Minot can expect to budget approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per month total for housing, food, utilities, transportation, and personal expenses, depending on lifestyle choices.
Financial Aid and Scholarships at Minot State University
Minot State University offers a range of financial aid options for both domestic and international students, though the specifics differ by residency status.
Domestic students can apply for federal and state financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). About 73 percent of MSU undergraduates receive some form of grants or scholarships, with an average aid package of approximately $5,528 per student. The FAFSA priority deadline for Minot State is April 15.
International students are not eligible for US federal or state need-based financial assistance. However, MSU does offer institutional scholarships that international students can apply for. Notable programs include the Academic Excellence Scholarship, which offers awards of up to $10,000 for high-achieving incoming freshmen. The Hometown Pride Scholarship offers $1,000 to students from communities that have traditionally supported MSU. The Prairie Rose Scholarship offers $1,000 to students from specific counties in North Dakota.
Given that MSU offers the same tuition rate to all students regardless of origin, international students already receive a significant implied scholarship compared to what they would pay at most other US universities.
For students interested in pursuing scholarships specifically for international study, exploring external scholarship databases, government-funded programs like the Fulbright, and home-country scholarship programs can further reduce the cost of attending MSU.
Why International Students Choose Minot State University
MSU's appeal to international students comes down to a combination of factors that are hard to find in one place. The flat-rate tuition policy eliminates one of the biggest financial obstacles international students face at US universities. The acceptance rate is generous compared to more competitive institutions, giving international applicants a realistic chance of admission. The campus community supports over 100 student organizations, NCAA Division II athletic teams, and a range of cultural and social events throughout the year.
The Office of International Programs provides dedicated support to help international students navigate the visa process, adapt to life in the US, and succeed academically. MSU also maintains formalized partnerships with universities in other countries, and students from those partner institutions often have streamlined admission pathways.
English language support is available for students who need it, including pathways through The Language Company's Level 9 Completion Certificate as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minot State University Admission
What is the acceptance rate at Minot State University?
Minot State University has an acceptance rate of approximately 65 to 72 percent, making it moderately selective. Most applicants who submit a complete application and meet the basic academic requirements are admitted.
When is the application deadline for Minot State University?
Minot State University uses a rolling admissions policy with no mandatory application deadline. However, students planning to start in the fall semester are encouraged to apply by April 1. International students should apply at least three to four months before their intended start date to allow time for visa processing.
How much does it cost to attend Minot State University per year?
For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees at Minot State University are $8,702 for all students. The total estimated cost of attendance, including housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, is approximately $22,138 per year.
What English proficiency score do international students need for Minot State University?
International students must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL score of at least 79 (Internet-Based Test), an IELTS score of at least 6.0, or a Duolingo English Test score of at least 100 to 105 depending on the program level. Scores must be no older than two years at the time of application.
Is Minot, North Dakota affordable for international students?
Yes. Minot is considered one of the more affordable mid-sized cities in the United States. Housing costs are below the national average, grocery prices are lower than average, and the overall cost of living is manageable for students on a budget. A single student can live reasonably on a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,000 including rent.
Do international students pay more tuition than local students at Minot State?
No. Minot State University offers flat-rate tuition, meaning all students regardless of residency or nationality pay the same tuition rate of $8,702 per year for undergraduate programs. This is a significant financial advantage for international students compared to many other US universities.
What documents do international students need to apply to Minot State University?
International students need to submit a completed online application, the $35 application fee, official academic transcripts with course-by-course credential evaluation from WES or ECE, English proficiency test scores, a passport copy, financial documents demonstrating ability to pay for studies, the Application for Form I-20 and Certification of Financial Responsibility, and immunization records. Graduate applicants also need a Statement of Purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Final Thoughts
Minot State University represents a genuine opportunity for both domestic and international students seeking an affordable, accredited, and supportive academic environment in the United States. The combination of flat-rate tuition, an accessible admission process, a manageable cost of living, and dedicated international student support makes MSU stand out in a crowded field of US universities.
Whether you are a local student in North Dakota, a domestic applicant from across the country, or an international student searching for an affordable path to a US degree, MSU deserves a place on your shortlist. Start your application early, gather your documents carefully, and take advantage of the financial aid and scholarship resources the university offers.
For the most current information on fees, deadlines, and program requirements, always refer to the official MSU website before submitting your application.
Start Your Minot State University Application Today