Minnesota State University Mankato is a public research university in Mankato, Minnesota, USA, and the second-largest institution in the Minnesota State system. The university is ranked #15 in US News Top Public Schools Midwest 2026 and #54 in Regional Universities Midwest 2026.
MSU Mankato offers 130+ undergraduate and 80+ graduate programs across engineering, computer science, business, nursing, and aviation, all delivered in English. Fall and Spring intakes both accept Indian applicants, with a Kearney International Center supporting 1,300 international students from 95+ countries. Popular Indian-student picks include the MS in USA pathways in mechanical engineering, information technology, and automotive engineering technology.
- US News Regional Universities Midwest 2026: #54
- Acceptance rate: 88% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Annual PG tuition (international): $15,218 (₹14.38 lakh)
- International community: 1,300 students from 95+ countries
- STEM-designated OPT: 36 months for qualifying STEM master’s graduates
Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students
MSU Mankato is a STEM-friendly campus with a low cost of living compared to coastal US cities. Automatic scholarship consideration, no application fee waivers on most awards, and a straightforward F-1 visa pathway make it a value-focused destination for Indian STEM applicants.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Indian F-1 visa seekers must submit undergraduate and graduate applications by May 1, 2027 for Fall 2027 (August start). Spring 2027 (January start) closed on September 1, 2026 for new F-1 applicants; active F-1 transfer students may still apply for Spring 2027 undergraduate admission until December 20, 2026. The next cycle for Spring 2028 entry is expected to open around February 2027 on a rolling basis, with the September 1, 2027 deadline for F-1 seekers.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Minnesota State University Mankato 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato Admission 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato Acceptance Rate 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Minnesota State University Mankato Scholarships 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato Rankings 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Minnesota State University Mankato vs Peer Universities
- Minnesota State University Mankato FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Minnesota State University Mankato 2027
MSU Mankato charges international graduate students $15,218 per academic year (₹14.38 lakh) at a flat 9-credit-per-semester rate. Master’s programs typically run 30-36 credits over two years, and total tuition varies by program credit count. Undergraduate international rates are billed separately and confirmed on the official fee schedule.
Top 10 PG Programs at Minnesota State University Mankato
The figures below use the confirmed international graduate rate for a typical 36-credit two-year master’s. STEM-designated programs qualify graduates for the 36-month STEM OPT extension.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Mechanical Engineering | 2 years | $30,436 | 28.76 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Information Technology | 2 years | $30,436 | 28.76 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Automotive Engineering Technology | 2 years | $30,436 | 28.76 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | 2 years | $30,436 | 28.76 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MBA | 2 years | $30,436 (estimated) | 28.76 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Engineering | 2 years | $30,436 | 28.76 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Data Science | 2 years | $30,436 (estimated) | 28.76 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Nursing | 2 years | $30,436 (estimated) | 28.76 lakh (estimated) | BSN with 65% (recommended); RN licensure preferred |
| MAcc Accounting | 1 year | $15,218 (estimated) | 14.38 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MPH Public Health | 2 years | $30,436 (estimated) | 28.76 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
[Source: Minnesota State University Mankato Cost of Attendance 2026-2027]
Top 5 UG Programs at Minnesota State University Mankato
Undergraduate degrees run four years and share a common non-resident tuition band. Confirmed programme-level totals should be checked against the university’s official rate card.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science and Information Technology | 4 years | $75,772 (estimated) | 71.60 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | 4 years | $75,772 (estimated) | 71.60 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing | 4 years | $75,772 (estimated) | 71.60 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 75% (recommended) |
| BS Engineering | 4 years | $75,772 (estimated) | 71.60 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Psychology | 4 years | $75,772 (estimated) | 71.60 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at MSU Mankato cluster in MS Mechanical Engineering, MS Information Technology, and MS Automotive Engineering Technology, all STEM-designated for the 36-month OPT extension after graduation.
Read More: Minnesota State University Mankato Programs and Fees Guide
Minnesota State University Mankato Admission 2027
MSU Mankato offers two annual intakes for Indian applicants, with Fall (August) as the primary cycle for master’s admissions and Spring (January) available for most programs.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 graduate deadline (F-1 seeker) | May 1, 2027 | Firm deadline for new F-1 visa applicants |
| Fall 2027 undergraduate deadline (F-1 seeker) | May 1, 2027 | Active F-1 transfers have until August 10, 2027 |
| Spring 2028 deadline (expected) | September 1, 2027 (expected) | Based on prior cycle; opens around February 2027 |
| WES credential verification lead time | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation is standard for grad |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | Orientation begins the week prior |
[Source: Minnesota State University Mankato International Admissions]
Planning note: Individual departments at MSU Mankato may impose internal deadlines earlier than the university-wide date, particularly in engineering. Verify each program page before finalising your application timeline.
Read More: Minnesota State University Mankato Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Minnesota State University Mankato Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants for master’s programs need a four-year bachelor’s degree and a valid English proficiency test score, with credential evaluation from WES or a NACES-approved agency.
PG Requirements at Minnesota State University Mankato
- Academic: Four-year bachelor’s degree with 60% aggregate or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); some engineering programs prefer 65% or CGPA 6.5/10.
- English test minimums: TOEFL iBT 80 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS Academic 6.5, or Duolingo English Test 110 overall with 105 speaking and 105 writing floors.
- Credential verification: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation, submitted directly to the admissions office.
- GRE: Required for select programs (engineering, applied statistics); waivers available for strong academic profiles.
UG Requirements at Minnesota State University Mankato
- Academic: Class 12 completion with 70% to 85% (recommended) from a recognised Indian board.
- English: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 110 overall.
- SAT/ACT: Optional; strong scores support scholarship consideration.
Key insight: MSU Mankato does not require GRE for most non-engineering master’s programs, which lowers the application burden. Indian applicants with a CBSE or ISC Class 12 score above 75% typically qualify without SAT.
Minnesota State University Mankato Acceptance Rate 2027
MSU Mankato is a highly accessible public university with an 88% acceptance rate (estimated) across undergraduate applications. The figure is aggregated from third-party admissions data and reflects overall enrolment, not the international cohort specifically.
Graduate admissions are program-driven and vary significantly across engineering, business, and nursing departments. Indian applicants meeting the CGPA 6.0/10 and TOEFL 80 thresholds face favourable odds relative to R1 research universities.
Reality check: A high acceptance rate signals accessibility, not weak academic quality. Indian applicants should still submit strong statements of purpose and verified WES evaluations to secure admission and scholarship consideration.
Read More: Minnesota State University Mankato Acceptance Rate Analysis
Minnesota State University Mankato Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total first-year cost for an Indian master’s student at MSU Mankato lands at $35,494 (₹33.54 lakh) for the 9-month academic year, combining tuition, living, insurance, and mandatory fees.
Minnesota State University Mankato Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Graduate international tuition is billed at a flat 9-credit-per-semester rate for full-time enrolment.
| Level | Semester Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate (international) | $7,609 | $15,218 | 14.38 lakh |
| Undergraduate (international, estimated) | $9,472 (estimated) | $18,943 (estimated) | 17.90 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: Minnesota State University Mankato Cost of Attendance 2026-2027]
Minnesota State University Mankato Cost of Living for Indian Students
Cost figures below use the official 9-month international cost of attendance published by the university.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing and meals (on-campus) | $1,486 | ₹1,40,427 | $13,376 | 12.64 lakh |
| Health insurance | $300 | ₹28,350 | $2,700 | 2.55 lakh |
| Books and supplies | $156 | ₹14,742 | $1,400 | 1.32 lakh |
| Personal expenses | $278 | ₹26,271 | $2,506 | 2.37 lakh |
| Student fees and orientation | $33 | ₹3,118 | $294 | 0.28 lakh |
| Total (non-tuition) | $2,253 | ₹2,12,908 | $20,276 | 19.16 lakh |
[Source: Minnesota State University Mankato official cost estimate]
Insider note: Off-campus housing near MSU Mankato runs 20% to 30% cheaper than the on-campus estimate. Indian students commonly share two-bedroom apartments in Mankato for $400 to $550 (₹37,800 to ₹51,975) per person per month.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Minnesota State University Mankato Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The main campus sits on 303 acres in Mankato, a small city 90 minutes southwest of Minneapolis, well connected by shuttle to MSP airport.
- Housing: Nine on-campus residence halls; guaranteed for first-year internationals who apply by the deposit deadline.
- Kearney International Center: Dedicated advising for 1,300 international students from 95+ countries, covering CPT, OPT, and STEM extension.
- Research and labs: Automotive Engineering Technology Program, Twin Cities Aviation lab, and a NASA-funded space grant consortium.
- Indian student community: Indian Students Association hosts Diwali, Holi, and cultural events; sizeable South Asian cohort in engineering.
What Indian students say: Mankato’s small-city safety and low rent are the two most-cited advantages; winters are cold but campus buildings connect via a heated skyway system that reduces exposure.
Minnesota State University Mankato Scholarships 2027
MSU Mankato offers four named international scholarships, with automatic consideration for new undergraduate applicants and additional need-based awards accessible via the AcademicWorks portal.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Maverick Scholarship | Merit, automatic | Verify at official page | All new undergraduate internationals | Automatic with admission |
| Global Maverick Access Scholarship | Merit + region | $4,000 per year for 4 years ($16,000 total, ₹15.12 lakh) | First-year F-1 students from targeted regions; 20 awards | Verify at official page |
| Gladys B. Olson International Endowed | Merit | Verify at official page | UG internationals with academic excellence | Verify at official page |
| Refer-A-Friend Scholarship | Referral | Verify at official page | Current internationals referring new UG or IEP students | Rolling |
[Source: Minnesota State University Mankato International Scholarships]
Planning note: The Global Maverick Access Scholarship at $16,000 total is the highest guaranteed award for Indian first-year undergraduates. Graduate applicants should pursue departmental assistantships instead, as most named awards target UG cohorts.
Read More: Minnesota State University Mankato Scholarships Guide
Minnesota State University Mankato Rankings 2027
MSU Mankato is ranked strongest in the US News Regional Universities Midwest tier, appearing at #54 in the 2026 edition and #15 among Top Public Schools Midwest. The university does not currently appear in QS World, THE World, or ARWU global lists.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026: #54 | NA | NA |
| US News Top Public Schools Midwest | 2026: #15 | NA | NA |
| THE US College Rankings | 2026: #600 | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | NA | NA |
| ARWU Shanghai | Not ranked in ARWU 2025 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, Times Higher Education]
Key insight: For Indian applicants, MSU Mankato’s regional US News rank is enough for F-1 visa credibility, education loan eligibility with SBI and HDFC Credila, and employer recognition across US Midwest tech and manufacturing hiring.
Read More: Minnesota State University Mankato Rankings Analysis
Minnesota State University Mankato Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
MSU Mankato reports strong graduate employment outcomes in engineering, IT, and healthcare, though the university does not publish a unified placement rate for international students.
- Median starting salary (market median): $65,000 to $75,000 (₹61.42 lakh to ₹70.87 lakh) for STEM master’s graduates in US Midwest.
- Recruiting sectors: Automotive engineering, aerospace, IT services, healthcare, agribusiness, and consulting.
- Representative employers: 3M, Toro, Cargill, Mayo Clinic, and Best Buy have recruited MSU Mankato graduates historically.
- Career support: The Career Development Center offers year-round coaching, resume workshops, and OPT/CPT documentation guidance.
- Post-study work: 12-month OPT for non-STEM graduates; 36 months total for STEM (24-month extension); H-1B sponsorship subject to employer.
Insider note: Automotive and mechanical engineering graduates from MSU Mankato land at Twin Cities manufacturers within the first four months of OPT, with median offers around $70,000 (₹66.15 lakh).
Minnesota State University Mankato vs Peer Universities
Peer benchmarks below compare MSU Mankato with similar Midwest public universities in the affordable-STEM tier, using the 2026 US News Regional Universities Midwest edition.
| University | US News Regional Midwest 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Mankato | #54 | $15,218 | 14.38 lakh | STEM-designated Automotive Engineering Technology master’s |
| St. Cloud State University | NA | $18,000 (market average) | 17.01 lakh (market average) | Strong data science and applied economics tracks |
| North Dakota State University | #42 (National, estimated) | $16,500 (market average) | 15.59 lakh (market average) | R1 research classification, agricultural engineering |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | #26 | $18,900 (market average) | 17.86 lakh (market average) | Polytechnic focus, applied engineering |
| Illinois State University | #8 | $21,000 (market average) | 19.85 lakh (market average) | Larger CS cohort, closer to Chicago tech |
MSU Mankato leads its peer set on total tuition affordability and offers a rare STEM-designated Automotive Engineering Technology master’s not commonly available at competing US public universities.
Minnesota State University Mankato Conclusion
MSU Mankato fits Indian STEM applicants targeting a total two-year investment of $50,770 (₹47.98 lakh) against a market-median $70,000 (₹66.15 lakh) starting salary, particularly those choosing engineering or IT master’s on the 36-month STEM OPT pathway.
It is not the right pick for applicants prioritising QS Top 200 brand recognition or Ivy-adjacent research prestige; those goals point toward Purdue or Ohio State instead, at roughly double the total cost.
Minnesota State University Mankato FAQs
Ques. What English tests does Minnesota State University Mankato accept from Indian applicants?
Ans. MSU Mankato accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 80 on the 0-120 legacy scale, IELTS Academic with a minimum of 6.5, and Duolingo English Test with 110 overall plus 105 floors on both speaking and writing. Applicants from countries where English is the primary language of instruction may qualify for waivers, though this typically does not apply to Indian applicants unless their bachelor’s was taught entirely in English.
Ques. Is GRE required for MS admission at MSU Mankato?
Ans. GRE is required for select engineering and applied statistics master’s programs, though many departments waive it for applicants with a CGPA of 6.5/10 or higher. MS Information Technology, MS Automotive Engineering Technology, and most business master’s programs do not require GRE. Indian applicants should confirm the specific requirement on the individual program page before finalising their test plan, as departmental policies vary.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at MSU Mankato?
Ans. F-1 visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during academic terms and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus employment requires prior authorisation through CPT for course-integrated internships or OPT after completing one academic year. The Kearney International Center handles CPT documentation and processes typical requests within 5 to 10 business days.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise MSU Mankato for education loans?
Ans. Major Indian lenders including SBI, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Avanse recognise MSU Mankato for both secured and unsecured education loans. Loan sanction letters are typically accepted as proof of funds for the I-20 issuance. Applicants should carry the Cost of Attendance document from the university to the loan appointment, as bank underwriting is directly indexed to that figure.
Ques. Does MSU Mankato offer conditional admission for Indian applicants without English scores?
Ans. Yes, MSU Mankato offers conditional admission through its Intensive English Program (IEP) for applicants who meet academic requirements but fall short on TOEFL or IELTS minimums. Students complete IEP levels on campus and progress into degree programs after clearing the exit assessment. This is particularly useful for Indian applicants with strong academic profiles but lower band scores on English tests.
Ques. What is the application fee at Minnesota State University Mankato?
Ans. The application fee at MSU Mankato is $40 for undergraduate international applications and $40 for graduate international applications. The fee is non-refundable and payable online via credit card. Fee waivers are not commonly offered to Indian applicants, though partner-agent submissions occasionally include waived fees during promotional windows.
Ques. Does Minnesota State University Mankato support F-2 dependent visas?
Ans. Yes, MSU Mankato issues supporting I-20 documents for F-2 dependents when the primary F-1 student demonstrates sufficient financial capacity. The university requires additional proof of funds of $6,500 for a spouse or first dependent and $4,000 per subsequent dependent, on top of the primary student’s Cost of Attendance figure. Dependents cannot work on the F-2 visa but may enroll in part-time study.
Ques. How does WES verification work for MSU Mankato applications?
Ans. Indian applicants must submit a course-by-course WES evaluation directly to MSU Mankato’s Office of International Admissions before the application deadline. WES processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after receiving all official transcripts, so applicants should initiate the request 3 months before the deadline. The evaluation includes a US GPA conversion which the admissions committee uses for scholarship and assistantship consideration.
Minnesota State University Mankato Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 15,178 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL iBT : 71 | IELTS : 6.0 | Duolingo : 105 | PTE : 50 | |||
M.S Mechanical Engineering 2 years | USD 15,178 /Yr | 40 | GPA: 3.0 | TOEFL iBT: 61 | IELTS: 5.5 | ||
B.S Corrections 4 years | USD 20,400 /Yr | 20 | TOEFL iBT: 3.5 | IELTS: 5.5 | PTE: 47 | Duolingo: 95 | ||
M.S Information Technology 2 years | USD 15,178 /Yr | 40 | GPA: 3.0 | TOEFL iBT: 61 | IELTS: 5.5 |
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Minnesota State University Mankato Reviews
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2 Reviews Found
Overview
This campus is very close to home and has been spoken very highly of by alumni and many others. At my high school, we had several options as to where we were able to attend classes for PSEO (post-secondary enrollment option) which is when high school students are able to take college-level classes for both college and high school credit. Out of the 5 choices for schools I was given, MSU stood out to me the most due to the beautiful campus, medium class size (ideal for me), proximity to home and school, and great reputation. I had been told several of the other possible schools would be easier to attend but had my heart set on attending MSU for the reasons listed above and many more that made it such an appealing choice.
Fees
This semester I would have owed $4,000 alone for classes and $500 for books but because I am PSEO I do no have to pay any of these costs as they are covered by my school. I know there are several scholarships available for minority and international student populations. Criteria depend upon the student and their individual abilities.
Overview
I decided to go to this college because it is close to home but not too close. It also has many opportunities for different majors so when I didn't know what exactly I wanted to be doing, this school was able to provide many different choices for me.
Fees
Certain classes had fees because of the materials you needed. There are also some expenses gas with going places. I also needed to pay for other things like classroom insurance and background checks so that I would be able to go into the classrooms.
Minnesota State University Mankato Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Minnesota State University Mankato Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.mnsu.edu/admissions/applynow.html
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Minnesota State University Mankato Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10162 | 6057 | 4105 | 424 |
Comments
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Yes, you can start the application for admission to Minnesota State University, Mankato before your passport is ready. But you need to make sure that all the documents will be ready before the deadline for submission.
You can apply for admission to Spring Term 2024 in Minnesota State University upto November 1, 2023.