CSU-Pueblo vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado State University Pueblo in Pueblo, CO 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 CSU-Pueblo based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 6,851 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado State University Pueblo is located in Pueblo, CO (Midsize City setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Colorado State University Pueblo is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado State University Pueblo 16:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

CSU-Pueblo vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU-Pueblo 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 Colorado State University Pueblo than Southwest Minnesota State University ($13,079 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 8.9% lower than at Colorado State University Pueblo ($11,028 vs. $12,100).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU-Pueblo (about $641 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $9,720.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.2% higher at CSU-Pueblo than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $7,583 more per year; $17,944.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colorado State University Pueblo than at Southwest Minnesota State University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colorado State University Pueblo students is 28.3% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($11,130 vs. $8,674).

CSU-Pueblo vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU-Pueblo 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 CSU-Pueblo.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020) is 30 points higher than at CSU-Pueblo (990).
• Incoming CSU-Pueblo students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Colorado State University Pueblo 870/1100; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Colorado State University Pueblo 19/25; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU-Pueblo - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU-Pueblo Aug 1, 2027; Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman CSU-Pueblo students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• CSU-Pueblo has a higher acceptance rate (94.9%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at CSU-Pueblo vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

CSU-Pueblo vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU-Pueblo 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.

• Southwest Minnesota State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Colorado State University Pueblo's (32%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than CSU-Pueblo graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado State University Pueblo graduates have a $1,928 lower median loan debt than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($19,750 vs. $21,678).
• Among borrowers, CSU-Pueblo graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($204 vs. $224).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU-Pueblo students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 51%)

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.