Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

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

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwest Minnesota State University is located in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1; Northland College 5:1.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwest Minnesota State University or Northland College? 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 Northland College ($15,547 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 4.9% lower than at Northland College ($11,028 vs. $11,600).
• Northland College is 328.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $34,042 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 328.6% higher at Northland College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $34,042 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northland College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 287% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($33,572 vs. $8,674).

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southwest Minnesota State University or Northland College? 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 Northland College and Southwest Minnesota State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (1050) is 30 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming Northland College 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: Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northland College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Northland College has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southwest Minnesota State University and Northland College? 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).

• Northland College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $5,265 lower median loan debt than Northland College graduates ($21,678 vs. $26,943).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northland College graduates ($224 vs. $278).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.