Alcorn State University Admissions

Alcorn State University Admissions Overview:

In 2016, Alcorn State University had an acceptance rate of 78%. Admitted students tend to have grades in the "A" and "B" range, and average SAT or ACT test scores. Alcorn looks at the combination of grades and test scores of those applying; an applicant with lower grades but high test scores (or vice-versa) is still given serious consideration. Because of its "rolling admissions" policy, the school accepts applications throughout the year, although it will likely be to your advantage to apply early to have the best chance of getting financial aid or a space in a popular program. 

Admissions Data (2016):

• Alcorn State University Acceptance Rate: 78 percent
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 400 / 510
  • SAT Math: 410 / 510
    • What these SAT numbers mean
    • SAT score comparison for Mississippi colleges
  • ACT Composite: 16 / 21
  • ACT English: 16 / 22
  • ACT Math: 16 / 20
    • What these ACT numbers mean
    • ACT score comparison for Mississippi colleges

Alcorn State University Description:

Alcorn State University is a public university located on the western edge of Mississippi, about an hour and a half southwest of Jackson. The extensive 1,700-acre campus features lakes, trails, and woodlands. The School of Business and School of Nursing are located on a separate campus in Natchez. Founded in 1871, Alcorn State is a historically Black university that has the distinction of being Mississippi's first public institution of higher education for African Americans. Today, the sciences and professional fields are particularly popular among undergraduates. The curriculum is supported by a 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio. On the athletic front, the Alcorn State Braves compete in the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The university fields seven men's and eight women's Division I sports.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 3,420 (2,825 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 36 percent male / 64 percent female
• 92 percent full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $6,546 (in-state)
• Books: $1,556 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,356
• Other Expenses: $5,186
• Total Cost: $22,644 (in-state)

Alcorn State University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 92 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 86 percent
  • Loans: 80 percent
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $7,889
  • Loans: $6,406

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Elementary Education, Nursing, Psychology

Retention and Graduation Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 72 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 16 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 30 percent

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Cross Country, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women's Sports: Soccer, Tennis, Softball, Track and Field, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Cross Country

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like Alcorn State University, You May Also Like These Schools:

Applicants that are interested in strong athletic programs, and are looking for another Division I school in the southern region of the country, should also check out such schools as Grambling State University, Alabama State University, Auburn University, University of Mississippi, and the University of Kentucky. Most of these schools, being Division I schools, are much larger than Alcorn State.

For those interested in a school in Mississippi that's around the same size as Alcorn State, other options include Belhaven University, Mississippi College, and Delta State University.