North Central University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central University in Minneapolis, 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 North Central University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central University is located in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central University 14:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

North Central University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central 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 Southwest Minnesota State University than North Central University ($15,547 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 8.8% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($10,054 vs. $11,028).
• North Central University is 211% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $21,859 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 211% higher at North Central University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $21,859 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central University students is 108.8% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($18,112 vs. $8,674).

North Central University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central University 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 North Central University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central University (1050) is 30 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming North Central University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central University 950/1148; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central University 18/24; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central University - Test-free; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027; Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.6% at North Central University vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

North Central University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central University 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).

• North Central University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $3,322 lower median loan debt than North Central University graduates ($21,678 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central University graduates ($224 vs. $258).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.