Southwest Minnesota State University is a public 4-year college in Marshall, Minnesota with 2,315 undergraduates. It admits 62% of applicants, costs an average of $16,501 a year after grants and graduates 49% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Southwest Minnesota State University acceptance rate and admissions
Southwest Minnesota State University admitted 62% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024. The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Southwest Minnesota State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $10,918 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,470 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $26,241 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $16,501 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $16,501 a year after grants and scholarships, $9,740 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Southwest Minnesota State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Southwest Minnesota State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 49% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $52,551 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $18,750 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 36% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Southwest Minnesota State University majors and what graduates earn
Southwest Minnesota State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 39 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($83,735).
All 39 majors at Southwest Minnesota State University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Southwest Minnesota State University
4 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 4 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Master's | 100 | $60,978 | $20,198 |
| Business administration | Master's | 43 | $78,252 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 10 | $43,766 | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 2,315 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 67% women, 33% men
- 16 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University admitted 62% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Southwest Minnesota State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $10,918 for in-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $16,501 a year in 2024-25.
Is Southwest Minnesota State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Southwest Minnesota State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?
49% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Southwest Minnesota State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $52,551 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Minnesota · Southwest Minnesota State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.