Southwest Minnesota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall, MN ranked #1282 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 2,315 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 62.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 73.7% first-year retention, and 45.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $15,291, about $1,707 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -29.2%, roughly 114.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $43,282. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62.2%, annual tuition of $10,361, average net price of $15,291, and a national rank of #1282 (Grade B-), with a 45.1% six-year graduation rate, about 2,315 undergraduates, and median earnings of $43,282 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Southwest Minnesota State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates 45.1% of students within six years and keeps 73.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Southwest Minnesota State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,361 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,028 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,652 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,757 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 12.1% of Southwest Minnesota State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,559 to $20,701 depending on family income. Use Southwest Minnesota State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,283/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,701/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,282
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,282
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.9%
- Employment Rate 93.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Southwest Minnesota State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Southwest Minnesota State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Southwest Minnesota State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Southwest Minnesota State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn $43,282 median, the -29.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,315
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.7%
- Graduation Rate 45.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Southwest Minnesota State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Southwest Minnesota State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 62.2%, Southwest Minnesota State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 62.2% acceptance rate, Southwest Minnesota State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Southwest Minnesota State University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 14.1%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 12.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.0%
- Psychology, General 5.0%
See more majors
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.1%
- Marketing 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $84,871
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $68,179
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,733
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $62,403
- 5. Agricultural Business and Management $55,400
- 6. Marketing $54,828
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $53,479
- 8. Psychology, General $50,996
- 9. Hospitality Administration/Management $50,720
- 10. Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies $49,740
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $82,960
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $65,273
- 3. Education, General (Master's Degree) $59,053
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $84,871—71% more than Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($49,740). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $82,960 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Southwest Minnesota State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 124 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (30 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Education, General
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Plant Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- English Language and Literature, General
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Music
- Communication and Media Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Chemistry
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Literature
- Agricultural Public Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Education, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Accounting and Related Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,315
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 32.9%
- Female Students 67.1%
- Caucasian 69.4%
- Asian 2.7%
- Hispanic 8.6%
- Black 8.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 12.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Southwest Minnesota State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Southwest Minnesota State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southwest Minnesota State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Southwest Minnesota State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 67.1% of undergraduates. About 12.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southwest Minnesota State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Southwest Minnesota State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Southwest Minnesota State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1282 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $15,291 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $43,282 median earnings. The 45.1% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 73.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Southwest Minnesota State University's Strengths
Ranked #1282 with a B- grade, Southwest Minnesota State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Southwest Minnesota State University excel at providing affordable education ($15,291 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Southwest Minnesota State University's 73.7% retention and 45.1% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($43,282 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Southwest Minnesota State University and $15,291 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 45.1% six-year graduation rate sits 17.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.7% first-year retention is 3.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -29.2% return on investment is 114.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,282 run about 1% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,291 is roughly $2,106 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.2% employment rate within three years sits 25.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 12.1% trails the national share by 27.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university based in Marshall, MN and earns a B- overall grade. It is currently ranked #1282 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
73.7% of learners come back after year one while 45.1% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -29.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $15,291 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,757.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,466 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 12.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $43,282 six years after enrollment. That sits about 1% below the national median.
Roughly 93.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -29.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
62.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Southwest Minnesota State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Minnesota State University's acceptance rate?
Southwest Minnesota State University's acceptance rate is 62.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Southwest Minnesota State University cost?
At Southwest Minnesota State University, listed tuition and fees are $10,361 per year, and the average net price after aid is $15,291. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Southwest Minnesota State University's ranking?
Southwest Minnesota State University ranks #1282 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Southwest Minnesota State University's graduation rate?
At Southwest Minnesota State University, the six-year graduation rate is 45.1%, and first-year retention is 73.7%.
What are Southwest Minnesota State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Southwest Minnesota State University report median earnings of $43,282 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Southwest Minnesota State University's student population?
Southwest Minnesota State University enrolls about 2,315 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Marshall, MN 56258-5468
- Website www.smsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$18.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate36.5%