University of Minnesota-Twin Cities admits 77.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the institution in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows the university's selectivity aligns closely with similar large public research institutions. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students can expect admission, though the institution maintains high academic standards once enrolled. The 20.7% transfer share indicates significant pathways for community college students and others seeking to transfer. Students should view University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as an accessible option for quality public research university education, particularly valuable for Minnesota residents seeking strong outcomes without extremely competitive admission. For prospective students, this accessibility combined with strong post-graduation outcomes represents an excellent value proposition, allowing focus on academic preparation rather than admission anxiety. The combination of open admission with competitive outcomes makes this institution particularly attractive for students seeking research university resources without the stress of highly selective admission processes.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students typically score between 1310 and 1480 on the SAT, with a median of 1359, representing among the highest we track nationally. The middle 50% SAT Math range spans 670 to 760, while SAT Verbal scores range from 640 to 720. ACT scores range from 27 to 31 with a median of 30, also ranking among the highest we track. These ranges indicate most admitted students perform well above national averages on standardized tests. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities enrolled students score 161 points higher, demonstrating the academic quality attracted despite open admission policies. Students scoring within the 1310-1480 SAT range or 27-31 ACT range align well with the enrolled student profile. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to be at some competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from admission. Students scoring above the 75th percentile will find themselves among the stronger test performers in their cohort. The combination of high test scores with open admission suggests the institution attracts academically motivated students who value quality education at an accessible institution. Prospective students should focus on demonstrating academic readiness through coursework and preparation rather than viewing test scores as admission barriers.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities enrolls 16.9% Pell-eligible students and 18.7% first-generation students, indicating the institution serves students from diverse economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged families. These shares are moderate compared to community colleges but reflect meaningful access for lower-income students within the research university sector. The 20.7% transfer share demonstrates significant pathways for students starting at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests the university balances accessibility with the academic standards typical of research universities. Students from lower-income families should consider the 16.9% Pell share when assessing whether they will find peers with similar backgrounds, while first-generation students can expect to find 18.7% of enrolled students sharing their experience. Transfer students represent more than one in five enrolled students, indicating well-established transfer pathways and support systems. The moderate access shares combined with strong academic outcomes suggest an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can succeed together. Prospective students should view these demographics as indicating an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse perspectives while maintaining academic rigor.
With a 77% acceptance rate, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers accessible admission for most academically prepared students, though building a balanced college list remains important for comprehensive planning.
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91% of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating strong institutional support and student satisfaction. The 84.8% six-year graduation rate significantly exceeds the peer median of 65.9%, demonstrating effective degree completion support. Pell-eligible students graduate at 72.3%, creating a 12.5 percentage point gap with the overall completion rate. This gap is moderate for research universities, suggesting reasonable but not exceptional support for lower-income students compared to institutions with smaller Pell gaps. The strong retention rate indicates students who enroll generally find the academic and social environment supportive of continued enrollment. Students who gain admission can expect robust support systems that promote both retention and degree completion, with graduation rates well above national averages for similar institutions. Lower-income students should weigh the 12.5 percentage point Pell gap when considering institutional fit, noting that while most Pell students do graduate, completion rates are somewhat lower than for higher-income students. Prospective students can view these metrics as evidence of institutional commitment to student success, with particularly strong performance in overall retention and completion.
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