Alcorn State admits approximately 24.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 4 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the university in the highly selective category, with admission standards significantly more rigorous than typical public institutions. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights the substantial difference between Alcorn State's selectivity and most four-year colleges. This level of selectivity reflects the university's position as a historically black institution with strong academic standards and limited enrollment capacity. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that strong academic preparation is essential for admission consideration. The university's selective approach means that even students with solid academic records should treat Alcorn State as a competitive target school rather than a safety option. Students should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates to ensure adequate admission options. The combination of selective admission with the university's mission to serve underrepresented populations creates a unique competitive landscape where academic preparation must align with institutional fit and values. This selectivity level requires applicants to demonstrate both academic readiness and genuine interest in the university's programs and mission.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students typically score between 850-998 on the SAT, with a median of 1039. The SAT Math range spans 420-503, while SAT Verbal ranges from 430-495. Most admitted students fall within these ranges, though the 25th percentile represents students scoring 850, not a minimum threshold for admission. Students scoring below 850 face greater competitive challenges but are not automatically excluded from consideration. ACT scores for admitted students range from 15-24, with a median of 22. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, Alcorn State's admitted students score 51 points lower, reflecting the university's commitment to access alongside academic standards. Students whose test scores fall within the middle 50% ranges demonstrate academic competitiveness for admission, while those scoring below the 25th percentile should consider whether their academic profile aligns with institutional expectations. The relatively wide score ranges indicate that the university considers multiple factors in admission decisions beyond standardized test performance. Students should understand that test scores represent just one component of the application, with the university likely weighing academic preparation, personal background, and institutional fit in admission decisions. For students with scores below the typical ranges, demonstrating strong academic preparation through coursework, grades, and other achievements becomes particularly important.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Alcorn State enrolls 77.4% Pell-eligible students and 34.5% first-generation students, indicating the university's strong commitment to serving students from lower-income and underrepresented backgrounds. This Pell share substantially exceeds national averages and reflects the institution's historical mission as a historically black university dedicated to educational access. The university also enrolls 31.0% transfer students, suggesting multiple pathways to degree completion and recognition of community college preparation. This student composition indicates that Alcorn State prioritizes socioeconomic diversity and educational opportunity in its admission decisions. The high concentration of Pell-eligible students reflects both the university's values and its effectiveness in reaching students who might otherwise lack access to higher education. First-generation students represent more than one-third of the student body, creating a campus environment where students navigating college as the first in their families find substantial peer support. Students from similar backgrounds should recognize that they will join a community where their experiences are well-understood and supported. The substantial transfer population suggests that the university values diverse educational pathways and recognizes the strength that transfer students bring from their previous college experiences. These composition metrics indicate that Alcorn State actively seeks students who benefit most from its access-oriented mission and support systems.
Given Alcorn State's 24.7% acceptance rate, most applicants face competitive admission odds. Students should build balanced college lists including institutions with higher acceptance rates but similar program strengths or mission alignment.
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79.1% of Alcorn State freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%, indicating above-average first-year student support and engagement. However, 46.2% graduate within six years, slightly below the peer median of 49.3%. More concerning, Pell-eligible students graduate at 31.7%, creating a substantial 14.5 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap suggests that while the university successfully enrolls low-income students, additional support systems may be needed to ensure degree completion for the most economically disadvantaged students. The retention rate advantage indicates that students who enroll generally find the academic and social environment supportive during their first year. However, the completion rate patterns reveal that persistence challenges emerge over the longer term, particularly for students facing economic constraints. Students from low-income backgrounds should carefully consider the support systems available and their own readiness to navigate potential financial and academic challenges over four to six years. The university's success in retaining first-year students suggests effective orientation and early support programs, while the completion rate gaps indicate areas where institutional support could be strengthened. Prospective students should evaluate their own preparedness for degree completion and consider what resources they will need to succeed academically and financially throughout their college experience.
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