Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwest Minnesota State University or Jackson 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 Jackson State University ($15,547 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 23.1% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,028 vs. $14,341).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is 15.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $1,396 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.5% higher at Jackson State University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $1,604 more per year; $11,965.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at Jackson State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($8,674 vs. $8,386).

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southwest Minnesota State University or Jackson 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 Jackson State University and Southwest Minnesota State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020) is 70 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming Southwest Minnesota State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027; Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southwest Minnesota State University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.21) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

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

How do outcomes compare for Southwest Minnesota State University and Jackson 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).

• Jackson State 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 $8,400 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $7,322 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($21,678 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($224 vs. $299).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 36%)

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.