Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Peru State College

Comparable Facts

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

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Peru State College based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 1,492 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwest Minnesota State University is located in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting); Peru State College is in Peru, NE (Distant Rural setting).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Peru State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1; Peru State College 17:1.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Peru State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwest Minnesota State University or Peru State 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 Peru State College than Southwest Minnesota State University ($11,915 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Peru State College are 5.1% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($10,464 vs. $11,028).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is 19.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Peru State College (about $1,721 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $8,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at Southwest Minnesota State University than at Peru State College (about $1,721 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $8,640.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Peru State College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Peru State College students is 19.5% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($10,363 vs. $8,674).

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Peru State College Admissions comparison

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

• Peru State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional; Peru State College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Peru State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Southwest Minnesota State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Peru State College's (26%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Peru State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Peru State College graduates have a $703 lower median loan debt than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($20,975 vs. $21,678).
• Among borrowers, Peru State College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($216 vs. $224).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Peru State College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 55%)

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.