Bemidji State University
About Bemidji State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Bemidji. It offers programs in business, nursing, education, and wildlife management, attracting students interested in northern Minnesota's outdoor lifestyle.
Founded
1919
Location
Bemidji, Minnesota
Students
3,460
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
56%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
47.9%
Below national average
Tuition
$10,237
Per year
Avg Net Price
$15,261
After financial aid
SAT Average
1090
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,755
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
56 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Bemidji State University accepts 56% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1090/ 1600
Average: 1090 out of 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
47.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72.7%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
46%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
65.3%
$/Student
$9.9K
Class Size
Medium
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 72.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,237
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,462
Books & Supplies
$890
Total Cost of Attendance
$22,744
After Financial Aid
$15,261
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,073
Receive Grants
28.3%
Take Loans
42.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $22,744/yr, including $10,462 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,261.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bemidji State University fund their education.
While in School
28.3%
Get Grants
Free money
42.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$57,931
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$209/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $19,750 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bemidji State University.
Gender
61%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,139
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
321
Graduates
27.3%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
27.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 27.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
3,139
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bemidji State University fields 10 varsity teams with 406 student athletes, about 13% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Northern Sun
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
406
13% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
239
Men
167
Women
5
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bemidji State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,755
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$47K
152 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
93 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$78K
86 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$43K
69 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$50K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$32K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bemidji State University
What is the acceptance rate at Bemidji State University?▾
How much does Bemidji State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bemidji State University?▾
How much do Bemidji State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.