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Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty

1887
Founded
Public university
Type
3,120
Total Students
$29M
Endowment
(2019)
$10K
Tuition (In-State)
$10K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
53%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
6-year
72%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Timothy Downs

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead: Over a century of evolving education in the Red River Valley.

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) stands as a beacon of public higher education with a rich history spanning over a century. Founded in 1887 as a normal school, MSUM has consistently adapted to the changing educational needs of Minnesota, evolving into a comprehensive institution renowned for both its liberal arts and professional curricula. Today, it proudly serves nearly 5,000 students, fostering a vibrant academic community within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

The university's journey began with a focus on training teachers for the growing region, eventually expanding to offer a diverse range of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and graduate programs. This commitment to educational breadth and quality led to its recognition as the 18th top liberal arts college in the Midwest by TIME magazine in 2008. MSUM's forward-thinking approach is further exemplified by its involvement in the Tri-College University, a unique partnership allowing students expanded academic opportunities through cross-registration with neighboring institutions.

Prospective students and families will find MSUM to be a dynamic environment where dedication to service and loyalty, reflected in its motto, 'Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty,' is woven into the fabric of campus life. From its early days as a modest normal school to its present-day status as a modern public university, MSUM remains a vital institution preparing graduates for successful careers and meaningful lives in a continually evolving world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1887, MSUM boasts over 135 years of educational service and adaptation.
  • Offers a comprehensive range of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and graduate degrees.
  • Recognized by TIME magazine in 2008 as the 18th top liberal arts college in the Midwest.
  • Serves a vibrant community of 4,679 students.
  • A member of the Tri-College University, providing enhanced academic opportunities through cross-registration.
  • Evolved from a Normal School to a comprehensive public university, demonstrating a history of growth and responsiveness to educational needs.

Timeline

1885
Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill declaring the need for a new state normal school in the Red River Valley.
1887
Moorhead Normal School was founded (plans laid).
1888
Moorhead Normal School opened.
1921
Authorized to offer four-year Bachelor of Science degrees, becoming Moorhead State Teachers College.
1946
Began offering the Bachelor of Arts degree.
1957
Name changed to Moorhead State College to reflect broadened offerings.
1969
Joined a cooperative cross-registration exchange, forming the Tri-College University.
1975
Granted university status, becoming Moorhead State University.
2000
Renamed Minnesota State University Moorhead, its current designation.
2008
Rated the 18th top liberal arts college in the Midwest by TIME magazine.
🏛️
139 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Timothy Downs
President
Arrick Jackson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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