Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Valley City State University

Comparable Facts

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

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Valley City State University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 1,806 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwest Minnesota State University is located in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting); Valley City State University is in Valley City, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valley City State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1; Valley City State University 12:1.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Valley City State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwest Minnesota State University or Valley City 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 Valley City State University than Southwest Minnesota State University ($12,442 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valley City State University are 22.2% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($8,580 vs. $11,028).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is 20.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Valley City State University (about $1,781 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $8,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.7% higher at Valley City State University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $3,183 more per year; $13,544.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valley City State University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students is 16.2% larger than aid received by Valley City State University students ($8,674 vs. $7,467).

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Valley City State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southwest Minnesota State University or Valley City 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 Valley City 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 Valley City State University (950).
• Incoming Southwest Minnesota State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Valley City State University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102; Valley City State University 830/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23; Valley City State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional; Valley City State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Valley City State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Valley City State University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University vs. 53.9% at Valley City State University.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. Valley City State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Valley City State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Valley City State University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have a $348 lower median loan debt than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($21,330 vs. $21,678).
• Among borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($220 vs. $224).
• More Valley City State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.