Organizer Information
The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) is a public liberal arts college within the University of Minnesota System, located in Morris, Minnesota, United States. The institution offers undergraduate education across the humanities, arts, sciences, mathematics, education, and social sciences. Its academic structure includes majors, minors, licensure programs, and pre-professional pathways. The university provides opportunities for undergraduate research, creative practice, independent study, and faculty-guided academic development.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Minnesota Morris
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor's degrees (BA)
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Studio Art, Art History, Photography, Design, Humanities, Education, Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Communication and Media Studies.
- Relevant Programs: Studio Art, Art History, Communication and Media Studies, Theatre Arts, Music, Creative Writing, English, Journalism, and other liberal arts disciplines.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Rolling admissions
- Application Deadline: 15 December (priority); 1 August (final general deadline). International deadlines differ.
- Start of Studies: Fall and Spring semesters
- Application Fee: $30 online; $35 paper. International applicants: $30.
- Tuition: $16,692 estimated annual international tuition for 2026–2027.
- Funding: Academic scholarships, competitive scholarships, and transfer awards.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
UMN Morris offers undergraduate majors, minors, and interdisciplinary academic pathways across several disciplines.
Relevant options for students interested in arts and creative industries include:
- Studio Art: Drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and other media.
- Art History: Major and minor.
- Art Management: Interdisciplinary major or minor pathway.
- Communication and Media Studies: Major and minor.
- Theatre Arts: Major and minor.
- Music: Major and minor.
- Creative Writing: Minor.
- English: Major and minor.
- Journalism: Interdisciplinary major or minor pathway.
Students can also explore other humanities, social sciences, education, and scientific disciplines. Some interdisciplinary subjects are available through individually constructed majors or minors rather than standalone degree programs.
General Eligibility
- UMN Morris accepts applications from domestic and international students seeking undergraduate admission.
- Applicants can apply through the first-year or transfer admission routes, depending on their previous educational enrollment.
- International applicants who require a US student visa are eligible to apply. They must also satisfy the university's English-language proficiency and financial documentation requirements.
- The university offers admission to students with different academic backgrounds, with applications evaluated using academic records and other relevant information.
Educational Background
First-Year Applicants
Applicants must have completed secondary education or be completing high school when applying. Students who have graduated from high school but have not subsequently enrolled in a postsecondary institution are also classified as first-year applicants.
Transfer Applicants
Applicants who have completed high school and subsequently enrolled in a college, university, vocational college, or other postsecondary institution are classified as transfer applicants.
International applicants must arrange for official secondary-school and/or college transcripts to be sent directly to the university. Documents not originally issued in English must include certified English translations.
Language Requirements
International applicants whose native language or language of instruction is not English, and who do not qualify for an exemption, must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
| Accepted Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| TOEFL iBT (new scale, tests after 21 January 2026) | 4.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 540 |
| ACT English and Reading | 21 in each |
Applicants may qualify for exemptions through eligible English-language educational backgrounds, including completed AP English, A-level English, or IB English Language and Literature coursework.
Applicants must arrange for official test results to be sent directly from the testing organization. University of Minnesota Morris
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic applicants — online | $30 |
| Domestic applicants — paper | $35 |
| International applicants | $30 |
| Exchange program applicants | Waived |
Tuition
| Cost Category | Amount | Billing Structure |
|---|---|---|
| International tuition | $16,692 | Estimated annual cost |
| Required fees | $1,580 | Annual international budget |
| International student fees | $600 | Annual international budget |
| International Student Academic Service Fee | $552 | Annual international budget |
| Housing | $6,250 | Annual estimate |
| Food | $6,428 | Annual estimate |
| Health insurance | $3,590 | Annual estimate |
| Books | $800 | Annual estimate |
| Personal expenses | $1,800 | Annual estimate |
The university's 2026–2027 international financial certification budget totals $38,292. This is the minimum demonstrated financial support required for the first year of study and includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses. It does not include travel or summer living expenses.
The published general tuition schedule also lists:
| Enrollment Category | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Per credit | $550.50 | $642 |
| 13-credit band per semester | $7,156.50 | $8,346 |
Tuition is charged per semester, with credits beyond 13 included without additional tuition charges. International students should consult the international cost-of-attendance schedule for their applicable budget and charges. Morris One Stop Student Services
Additional mandatory charges may include the campus fee and student services fee. Students registered for six or more credits are subject to the published student services fee, which totals $610.50 for 2026–2027. Health insurance requirements also apply to eligible degree-seeking students registered for the specified credit load. Morris One Stop Student Services
Funding & Financial Support
UMN Morris offers scholarships to eligible undergraduate students. Awards depend on academic performance, eligibility criteria, and the particular scholarship.
First-Year Academic Achievement Awards
Eligible first-year students are automatically considered for academic scholarships based on their application and unweighted core GPA.
| Core GPA | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| 3.90–4.00 | $20,000 over four years |
| 3.75–3.89 | $14,000 over four years |
| 3.50–3.74 | $8,000 over four years |
| 3.25–3.49 | $4,000 over four years |
The university also offers the Prairie Scholars Award, equivalent to full tuition for up to four years, and the Morris Scholars Award, worth $30,000 over four years. These competitive awards are available through the Community of Scholars selection process for eligible entering domestic first-year students.
Transfer Scholarships
Eligible transfer students with at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA may qualify for scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 over six consecutive semesters.
International applicants should note that the university describes its scholarship funding for international students as limited. Domestic-only scholarship eligibility should not be interpreted as international eligibility.
University Services & Academic Support
UMN Morris provides academic and creative support through:
- Studio Facilities: Studio spaces and facilities for students studying Studio Art.
- Research Opportunities: Undergraduate research, independent study, and faculty-guided projects.
- Exhibition Opportunities: Participation in student exhibitions and gallery activities at the Edward J. & Helen Jane Morrison Gallery.
- Academic Advising: Individualized academic guidance and major/minor planning.
- Student Success Center: Tutoring, writing assistance, and peer-assisted learning.
- Career Services: Career development and professional preparation.
- International Student Support: Assistance with international admissions, financial certification, and immigration documentation.
Studio Art students can also participate in gallery installation and exhibition activities, including the Spring Juried Student Show and Senior Thesis Show.
Application Requirements
First-Year Applicants
- Completed university application.
- High school academic transcript. An unofficial transcript may be uploaded for first-year admission.
- Application fee, unless an applicable promotion or exemption applies.
International Applicants
- Completed university application.
- Official secondary-school and/or college transcripts.
- Certified English translations of academic documents originally issued in other languages.
- Official English-language proficiency test results, unless exempt.
Optional Supporting Materials
- Written statement.
- Letters of recommendation.
- CV or résumé.
- Portfolio.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
General Undergraduate Admissions
- Application Review Begins: 15 September 2027
- Priority Application Deadline: 15 December 2027
- Final Application Deadline: 1 August 2027
International Admissions — Fall Semester
- Priority Application Deadline: 1 May 2026
- Enrollment Deposit Deadline: 15 June 2026
International Admissions — Spring Semester
- Final Application Deadline: 1 November 2027
- Enrollment Deposit Deadline: 15 December 2027
Location
University of Minnesota Morris — Morris, Minnesota, United States
Additional Details
- UMN Morris offers a Degree in Three option, allowing eligible students to complete their bachelor's degree in three years.
- International students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources before the university issues their Form I-20. For 2026–2027, the stated minimum is $38,292.
- International applicants must submit financial certification documentation, an official bank statement, and a passport copy as part of the post-admission I-20 process.
- The university's published competitive Prairie and Morris Scholars awards are specifically identified for eligible domestic first-year applicants. International students should not assume eligibility for these awards.
- The institution is primarily an undergraduate liberal arts college; the listed academic offerings should not be interpreted as graduate or doctoral degree programs.