Bemidji State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN 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 Bemidji State University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 4,072 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bemidji State University is located in Bemidji, MN (Remote Town setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bemidji State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bemidji State University 18:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

Bemidji State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bemidji State University than Southwest Minnesota State University ($14,859 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bemidji State University are 5.1% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($10,462 vs. $11,028).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bemidji State University (about $124 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at Southwest Minnesota State University than at Bemidji State University (about $124 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at Bemidji State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students is 9.7% larger than aid received by Bemidji State University students ($8,674 vs. $7,904).

Bemidji State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bemidji State University or Southwest Minnesota State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southwest Minnesota State University and Bemidji State University.

• Incoming Bemidji State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresSouthwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bemidji State University 19/24; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bemidji State University - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Bemidji State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Southwest Minnesota State University has a higher acceptance rate (62.2%) than Bemidji State University (56%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Bemidji State University vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Bemidji State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bemidji State University and Southwest Minnesota State University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bemidji State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Bemidji State University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have a $374 lower median loan debt than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($21,304 vs. $21,678).
• Among borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($220 vs. $224).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bemidji State University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 65%)

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.