KU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than Southwest Minnesota State University based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 8,214 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

KU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU 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 KU ($15,547 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 2.9% lower than at University of Kansas ($11,028 vs. $11,358).
• University of Kansas is 16.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $1,741 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 193.7% higher at KU than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $20,071 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at University of Kansas (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 33.1% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($11,541 vs. $8,674).

KU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KU 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 KU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kansas (1190) is 170 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming KU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027; Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

KU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU 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).

• University of Kansas's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $1,178 lower median loan debt than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,678).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates ($211 vs. $224).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.