School highlights

Minnesota State Mankato: Where real-world thinking helps students transform big ideas into rewarding futures.

• One of Midwest’s most beautiful campuses: 300 acres overlooking the majestic Minnesota River Valley.
• Campus tours every weekday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Ranked in top quartile of the nation’s four-year colleges and universities (Forbes America’s Best Colleges).
• Nearly 18,000 students, including 600 international students from 75 countries.
• More than $120 million available in scholarships, assistantships, grants, work-study and student loans.
• Hundreds of student research opportunities in 20 centers.
• Undergraduates conduct research side-by-side with nationally recognized faculty.
• Four applied doctorate programs: nursing practice, educational leadership, counselor education, school psychology.
• New high-tech campus buildings: Suite-style residence hall, state-of-the-art chemistry building, alternative energy complex, new student union.
• “Tech-Rec” exercise gym: 40 machines with Internet and cable TV.
• 4,800-square-foot student weight room, three student basketball and volleyball courts, indoor student walking and running track.
• Wireless connectivity throughout campus.
• State’s premiere college theater: 10 acclaimed musicals and plays per year in two theaters; four summer productions.
• Nationally renowned men’s and women’s basketball, NCAA Division I hockey, wrestling, track and swimming.
• More than 200 student organizations, including nationally known handball, forensics, automotive design.
• Home of Vikings Training Camp and Timberwolves mini-camp.

Admissions

Admissions requirements

Minnesota State University, Mankato generally will accept you as a first-year student if you can answer “yes” to at least one of these questions:

• Did you graduate in the top half of your high school graduating class?
• Did you score 21 or higher on the ACT standardized test?
• Did you receive a combined score of 1,000 or higher on the SAT standardized test?

Check with the admissions office for details. Even if you don’t meet the minimum requirements, you may be considered for admission under special provisions.

What courses do I need to take in high school?

You should have completed these courses in high school:

• Four years of English, including composition, literature and speech
• Three years of math, including two years of algebra, one of which is intermediate or advanced algebra, and one year of geometry
• Three years of science, including one year each of a biological and a physical science, all with significant laboratory experience
• Three years of social studies, including one year each of geography and U.S. history
• Two years of a single world language, including non-English native languages and American Sign Language
• One year of arts (visual arts and the performing arts of theater, music, dance and media arts)

When should you apply?
Apply early in 12th grade for the best chance of being admitted. Some programs do not have room for all qualified applicants.
 

Tuition & finance

Tuition and Fees (2012-2013): $7,219

FAFSA Code: 002360

How to apply for financial aid

Your key to receiving financial aid to help pay your college costs is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form. Many students don’t realize they could qualify for grant money and federally guaranteed loans, so be sure to find out by filling out the form.

Complete the FAFSA after Jan. 1 of your senior year. Find the form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or pick up the form at your school counselor’s office. For help with completing the form, go to your high school counselor or the financial aid office at the college or university you plan to attend.

The FAFSA determines your eligibility for one or more of the following types of financial aid:

Scholarships
Scholarships are a great source of aid, and you do not need to pay them back. Many scholarships are available for students with special interests and backgrounds. Talk to your guidance counselor about what kind of scholarships you can get.

Grants
You may be eligible to receive federal and state grants of $300 to more than $7,000 per year. You do not need to pay these back.

Work study
Work study programs give you the opportunity to work on campus or with approved off-campus employers to earn money to pay for college. Work study jobs are often very flexible, allowing you to work around your classes and personal schedules.