
1000 ASU Drive #359, Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500, USA


Alcorn State University holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes the institution to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and specialist degrees. This accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards of quality and rigor in higher education.
The university's various academic programs also benefit from specific programmatic accreditations. For instance, the Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), reflecting adherence to national standards for preparing educators. Additionally, the School of Business holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which confirms the quality of business education offered.
These accreditations signify that Alcorn State University complies with comprehensive criteria regarding institutional effectiveness, curriculum quality, student support services, and continuous improvement, aspects that prospective students should consider when evaluating the university's academic credibility and the value of its degrees.
Admission to Alcorn State University requires applicants to have completed high school or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Prospective students must submit their secondary school records and meet a minimum secondary school GPA, as these documents are essential for evaluation. While specific recommendations are not detailed, the university encourages completion of a college preparatory program and possesses competency recommendations to strengthen an application.
Applicants are required to submit standardized test scores, including the SAT or ACT, with a particular emphasis on the ACT, which is more commonly reported among enrollees. Additionally, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is mandatory for applicants for whom English is a second language, with other tests recommended but not compulsory.
Alcorn State University does not maintain an open admission policy, thereby requiring an admission process that evaluates academic qualifications and test scores to select candidates. Dual credit and transfer credits from other institutions are generally not accepted, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits can be applied towards degree requirements. While the university provides a computer lease option, owning a personal computer is not a prerequisite for admission.
The acceptance rate at Alcorn State University is notably selective, with only about 25% of applicants gaining admission. The admitted student body tends to have relatively low standardized test scores, with the average SAT score around 964 and the average ACT score approximately 22, placing incoming students generally in the lower percentiles nationally.
The application fee for prospective undergraduate students at Alcorn State University is set at $30. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing admission materials. It is non-refundable and must be submitted alongside the application form to complete the submission process.
Alcorn State University offers fee waivers to eligible applicants to reduce financial barriers. These waivers are generally granted based on demonstrated financial need, as determined by the university's admissions office, or through participation in certain programs that support first-generation or underrepresented students. Applicants seeking a waiver must typically provide appropriate documentation verifying their eligibility.
International students and those applying for graduate programs should verify if any separate fees or waiver conditions apply, as these may differ from undergraduate application policies. It is advisable for all applicants to consult the university's admissions webpage or contact the admissions office directly for the most accurate and detailed information regarding application fees and fee waiver eligibility.
Alcorn State University offers opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the United States military through its Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs. These programs provide leadership training, military education, and physical fitness development to prepare cadets for commissioned officer roles upon graduation. While detailed specifics about the branches or options available directly through Alcorn State University are not provided in the available data, students typically engage with ROTC curricula that encompass military science courses alongside their academic studies.
Prospective students considering Alcorn State University for ROTC should be aware that participating in these programs involves a commitment to both academic achievement and military discipline. The programs are designed to develop leadership skills and instill values essential for military service, often including summer training camps and opportunities for scholarships.
For precise details on the types of ROTC programs offered, such as Army, Navy, or Air Force options, and the potential for commissioning into specific branches, potential cadets are encouraged to consult the university's ROTC department directly or review official military ROTC program channels.
Alcorn State University allows transfer students to enroll in multiple academic terms throughout the year. Prospective transfer students can apply for admission for the fall, spring, and summer semesters, providing flexibility in when they begin their studies. The university accepts transfer credits, which facilitates the continuation of academic progress from previously attended institutions. However, specific policies regarding credit acceptance from exams such as CLEP or DANTES are not available. This information indicates that while the university supports credit transfer, detailed guidelines on standardized exam credit acceptance remain unspecified.
Alcorn State University offers prospective students a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance global awareness and academic experience. The programs emphasize cultural immersion combined with academic credit, enabling students to broaden their perspectives while advancing their education.
Students can participate in short-term faculty-led trips, which typically focus on specific academic disciplines or cultural studies. These trips often last from one to a few weeks and allow participants to engage directly with host communities through site visits, lectures, and group activities.
Additionally, there are semester-long exchange programs in partnership with selected international institutions. These extended programs provide students with the chance to live abroad, attend classes, and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering greater intercultural competence. Academic credits earned during these exchanges are transferable and count toward degree requirements at Alcorn State University.
The university also supports individual or custom study abroad plans in collaboration with approved providers, permitting students to tailor their international experiences to fit personal academic or professional goals. These arrangements typically require prior approval to ensure alignment with curriculum standards.
Overall, the study abroad programs at Alcorn State University are structured to offer varied durations and formats, catering to different student needs while promoting global engagement and educational enrichment.
Median composite SAT score
964Median composite ACT score
22Percent of students submitting ACT scores
92%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
8%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableStudy abroad
Data not availableWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer