FSW vs. Bemidji State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, FL with Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida SouthWestern State College is larger than Bemidji State University based on total student enrollment (14,301 students vs. 4,072 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida SouthWestern State College is located in Fort Myers, FL (Large Suburban setting); Bemidji State University is in Bemidji, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Florida SouthWestern State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bemidji State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida SouthWestern State College 27:1; Bemidji State University 18:1.

FSW vs. Bemidji State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FSW or Bemidji 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 Florida SouthWestern State College than Bemidji State University ($8,356 vs. $14,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bemidji State University are 6.5% lower than at Florida SouthWestern State College ($10,462 vs. $11,185).
• Bemidji State University is 201% more expensive for in-state tuition than FSW (about $6,836 more per year; $10,237.00 vs. $3,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at FSW than at Bemidji State University (about $2,742 more per year; $12,979.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bemidji State University than at Florida SouthWestern State College (89% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bemidji State University students is 33.1% larger than aid received by Florida SouthWestern State College students ($7,904 vs. $5,938).

FSW vs. Bemidji State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FSW or Bemidji 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 Bemidji State University and FSW.

• Florida SouthWestern State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBemidji State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FSW - Open admission; Bemidji State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bemidji State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at FSW (3.06).

FSW vs. Bemidji State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FSW and Bemidji 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).

• Graduates from Bemidji State University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than FSW graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida SouthWestern State College graduates have a $12,304 lower median loan debt than Bemidji State University graduates ($9,000 vs. $21,304).
• Among borrowers, FSW graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bemidji State University graduates ($93 vs. $220).
• More Bemidji State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FSW students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 43%)

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.