Southwest Minnesota State University
About Southwest Minnesota State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall, Minnesota. It offers affordable programs in education, nursing, business, and agriculture, serving the rural southwestern Minnesota region with a close-knit campus community.
Founded
1963
Location
Marshall, Minnesota
Students
2,794
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
62.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
45.1%
Below national average
Tuition
$10,361
Per year
Avg Net Price
$15,291
After financial aid
SAT Average
1050
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,342
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
62.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Southwest Minnesota State University accepts 62.2% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1050/ 1600
Average: 1050 out of 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
45.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73.7%
4-Year Grad
29%
6-Year Grad
47%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
51.8%
$/Student
$7.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 29% graduation rate is below average, but 73.7% 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
$10,361
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,028
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,757
After Financial Aid
$15,291
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,559
Receive Grants
12.1%
Take Loans
15.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $24,757/yr, including $11,028 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,291.
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 Southwest Minnesota State University fund their education.
While in School
12.1%
Get Grants
Free money
15.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,571
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 15.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southwest Minnesota State University.
Gender
67.1%
Female
33%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,315
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
479
Graduates
26.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
9.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 67% of the student body. 26.9% 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
2,315
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
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southwest Minnesota State University fields 10 varsity teams with 474 student athletes, about 20% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Northern Sun
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
474
20% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
275
Men
199
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southwest Minnesota State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,342
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
70 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$33K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$44K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Special Education and Teaching
$45K
21 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $51K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwest Minnesota State University
What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?▾
How much does Southwest Minnesota State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?▾
How much do Southwest Minnesota 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.