Allen College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

Allen College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Southwest Minnesota State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 20.2% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($8,800 vs. $11,028).
• Allen College is 88.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $9,155 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.4% higher at Allen College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $9,155 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at Allen College (94% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Southwest Minnesota State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southwest Minnesota State University and Allen College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouthwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouthwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027; Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.

Allen College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Southwest Minnesota State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Allen College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $4,928 lower median loan debt than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($16,750 vs. $21,678).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($173 vs. $224).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.