Public Institution

Southwest Minnesota State University — Marshall, Minnesota

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Annual Tuition $10,304

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 68.9%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 2,045

Active Students

Avg. Salary $51,342

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Marshall, Minnesota
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 1/1/1972

Academic Mission & Environment

"Southwest Minnesota State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Marshall, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,045 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Southwest Minnesota State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Southwest Minnesota State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Education
21.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
17.3%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
15.4%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
8.6%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
6.4%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
4.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Southwest Minnesota State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 68.9%
Difficulty Low

Southwest Minnesota State University maintains an acceptance rate of 68.9%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 33.6%
Women Enrollment 66.5%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

ACT English 15 - 22
ACT Mathematics 16 - 24
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Southwest Minnesota State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $10,304
Out-of-State Tuition $10,304

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 10.8%
Median Student Debt $20,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $10,304, graduates see a median starting salary of $51,342, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Minnesota.

What salary can Southwest Minnesota State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $51,342

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 44.1%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,760
Median Salary (6yr) $43,282
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall?

2,045 Students

Gender Comparison

33.6% Men
66.5% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

69.6%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.5%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Asian
2.3%
Black
7.9%
White
70.8%
Unknown
1.8%
Hispanic
8.2%
Two or More Races
3.3%
International
5%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 26.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 56.1%
💍
Married Students 8.9%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 54.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $56,697
Average Family Income $60,256
Median Family Income $51,571

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

49%
51%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Marshall Campus Environment

Located at 1501 State St, Southwest Minnesota State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Minnesota. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Southwest Minnesota State University

Is Southwest Minnesota State University a good college in Marshall, Minnesota?
Southwest Minnesota State University is a recognized institution in Marshall with an enrollment of 2,045 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Minnesota based on Department of Education data.
Is Southwest Minnesota State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Southwest Minnesota State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $51,342. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Southwest Minnesota State University cost for Minnesota residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Southwest Minnesota State University is approximately $10,304. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $10,304. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Southwest Minnesota State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Southwest Minnesota State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 56.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Southwest Minnesota State University good for Education and Business & Marketing programs?
Southwest Minnesota State University is highly regarded for its Education and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Southwest Minnesota State University?
Graduates of Southwest Minnesota State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Education. With a median salary of $51,342, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Southwest Minnesota State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Southwest Minnesota State University follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Southwest Minnesota State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median salary of $51,342 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Southwest Minnesota State University a good investment compared to other MN colleges?
Southwest Minnesota State University stands out as a high-value investment in Minnesota. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Southwest Minnesota State University located and what is the campus like?
Southwest Minnesota State University is located at 1501 State St in Marshall, MN. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,045 learners.
Who typically attends Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN?
The student body at Southwest Minnesota State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 26.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Minnesota

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Southwest Minnesota State University with other leading institutions in Minnesota across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
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P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
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P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
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