Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Bemidji, Minnesota |
| Online | bemidjistate.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Bemidji State University sits on the western shore of Lake Bemidji in northern Minnesota, approximately 220 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The public institution, established in 1919 as a teachers' college, occupies a 89-acre wooded campus featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, with direct access to the lake's recreational opportunities. BSU maintains a strong focus on environmental stewardship and natural resources, offering distinctive programs in aquatic biology, environmental studies, and wildlife management, alongside traditional liberal arts and professional programs. The university provides on-campus housing in multiple residence halls, and competes in NCAA Division I ice hockey and Division II athletics as the Beavers, reflecting the region's strong hockey tradition.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Bemidji State University is rated within the lower 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Bemidji State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#762 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#270 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#20 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#7 in Best Public Colleges in Minnesota
#65 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| ACT | 19/24 |
| GPA | 3.26 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $890 |
| Other Fees | $1,170 |
| Room and Board | $10,041 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,000 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,095 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 19% |
| Business | 16% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 7% |
| Psychology | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Bemidji State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=173124 IPEDS survey data for Bemidji State University.
Current students may use the Bemidji State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025