Admit rate has ranged 64%–92% over the last 5 years — notably volatile, though the latest figure above (62%) falls outside that window. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Southwest Minnesota State University is a regional public university in Marshall, MN, that operates as a practical, accessible engine for workforce development in the Upper Midwest. With a 62% acceptance rate and a tight 11:1 student-faculty ratio, it delivers a focused, hands-on education—particularly in fields like Nursing, Kinesiology, and its distinctive Culinology program—to a largely local student body. This is a no-frills, high-value institution where the mission is clear: prepare students for solid careers in the region at a net price that doesn't break the bank.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
High school transcript
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
2,315
In-state tuition
$10,361
Out-of-state tuition
$10,361
Graduation Rate
45%
U.S. News Ranking
#107, Regional Universities Midwest
Student:Faculty Ratio
11:1
Median Earnings (10yr)
$51,342
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,342
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.4×
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
Graduation rate
45%
First-year retention
74%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
66%
Pell (lower-income) share
12%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
27%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$61,020
Accounting and Related Services$47,729
Finance and Financial Management Services$43,798
Agricultural Business and Management$42,123
Special Education and Teaching$41,937
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
10
Per 1,000 students
3.58
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
90
Summer high
83°F
Winter low
10°F
Annual rain
30.1"
Annual snow
42.8"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
92
Scholarly works
3,629
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University's acceptance rate is approximately 62% (Marshall, MN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does Southwest Minnesota State University cost?
At Southwest Minnesota State University, the average net price (after aid) is about $15,291 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University enrolls approximately 2,315 undergraduate students.
Where is Southwest Minnesota State University located?
Southwest Minnesota State University is located in Marshall, MN.
Admissions
Southwest Minnesota State University is a moderately selective, access-oriented public institution. The admissions process is straightforward and emphasizes academic preparedness within the context of the regional student population it serves.
Selectivity & Process: The university admits a majority of its applicants, with an of 62%. The admissions office considers a standard set of academic indicators for first-year applicants: high school GPA, class rank, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and the rigor of the high school curriculum. A minimum guideline for admission is being in the top 50% of one's high school class or holding a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Admitted Student Profile: Admitted students who submit test scores typically present a mid-range SAT score between 1012 and 1209, or an ACT composite between 17 and 23. The university does not have an Early Decision program, and there is no indication from available resources that demonstrated interest is a formal factor in admissions decisions.
Scale & Contact: The Office of Admissions operates during standard business hours (8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) and can be reached at (507) 537-6010. In Fall 2024, the total undergraduate degree-seeking headcount was 2,299 students.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$39,729
Business Administration, Management and Operations$39,729
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$39,369
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
SMSU's academic identity is defined by career-focused programs, a manageable scale, and a teaching-centered faculty. It’s a place where practical skills and direct application are prioritized.
Programs & Scale: The university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. The curriculum is built around regional economic needs. Popular and signature programs include Nursing, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Social Work and Youth Services, and a notable interdisciplinary major in Culinology®—a blend of culinary arts and food science developed in partnership with the Research Chefs Association. Other strengths lie in Agriculture, Business Innovation & Strategy, and Environmental Science.
Classroom Experience: With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, classes are small and instruction is personal. This low ratio is a defining feature, ensuring students have direct access to professors. The academic structure is traditional and clear, without the complex, decentralized systems of larger research universities.
Recognition: In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, SMSU is classified as a Regional University in the Midwest, where it is ranked #107. It also holds a #38 ranking in the 'Top Public Schools' category for the Midwest region, highlighting its value proposition within the public university sector.
Life at SMSU is centered on a residential campus in Marshall, a small city in southwestern Minnesota. The vibe is communal, active, and heavily shaped by campus-based organizations and NCAA Division II athletics.
Campus & Involvement: The university promotes a classic, involved college experience. The Campus Life office provides a variety of opportunities for students to engage beyond the classroom through student activities, clubs, and organizations. The campus itself is a focal point, with the university encouraging prospective students to explore residence halls, classrooms, and facilities in person.
Athletics: SMSU competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) at the NCAA Division II level. Mustangs athletics are a significant part of campus culture and spirit.
Community Feel: The university's official Instagram presence (@smsutoday) showcases a campus that is supportive and engaged, with staff focused on student success. The setting in Marshall fosters a close-knit environment where it's easy to know people and get involved, contrasting with the anonymity of a large urban university.
SMSU's outcomes reflect its mission as a regional public university: it graduates a cohort of students who are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce, often in Minnesota and the surrounding area, with solid earning potential.
Graduation Rate: The university's six-year graduation rate is 45%. This figure is a key metric for the institution, as reported in its outcomes data.
Post-Graduation Earnings: The median earnings for students working ten years after entering SMSU is $51,342. Other data points show median earnings of $55,009 four years after graduation and $36,427 one year after graduation, illustrating a trajectory of income growth as alumni gain experience in their fields.
Career Preparation: The most popular majors—Nursing, Kinesiology, Social Work—are directly linked to high-demand professions in healthcare, wellness, and social services, ensuring a clear pathway from degree to employment.
Affordability is a cornerstone of the SMSU value proposition. The university provides a lower-than-average , making a four-year degree financially accessible through a combination of grants, scholarships, and federal loan programs.
Net Price: The average net price for students after grants and scholarship aid is $15,291. This is notably below the national average for four-year colleges, which is a central part of the school's appeal.
Financial Aid Structure: SMSU participates in federal and state financial aid programs. The university offers its own scholarships, such as an academic scholarship requiring a 3.25 cumulative GPA for eligibility and renewal, which can provide up to $4,000 per year for full-time students. The standard federal aggregate loan limit for dependent undergraduate students is $31,000.
Aid Philosophy: The university utilizes net price calculators to help families estimate costs and emphasizes grant and scholarship aid that does not need to be repaid. The system aims to minimize student debt, though it does not advertise a formal "no-loan" policy for all students. Aid is contingent on maintaining satisfactory academic progress, which includes completing a minimum percentage of attempted credits.
Southwest Minnesota State University stands out for its unwavering commitment to a specific, pragmatic mission: serving as an accessible, high-value educational hub for the Upper Midwest. It lacks the prestige chase or sprawling research ambitions of flagship universities, and that is its strength. Instead, it delivers a concentrated, hands-on education in fields that directly fuel the regional economy—from its unique Culinology program to its strong nursing and teaching tracks. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means instruction is personal and professors are accessible, a rarity at this price point. For students from Minnesota and bordering states who want a traditional campus experience, a clear path to a professional career, and to graduate with manageable debt, SMSU is a deliberately uncomplicated and effective choice. It’s a university that knows exactly what it is and whom it serves.
Southwest Minnesota State University seal · sourceCampus Life | Southwest Minnesota State University · sourceSMSU Facilities Overview | Southwest Minnesota State University · sourceAbout - Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) · source
