Overview
Enrollment
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is a public institution established in 1963, located in the rural town of Marshall, Minnesota, approximately 150 miles from Minneapolis. SMSU offers a broad academic profile with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs; it is particularly recognized for its education and agriculture-related majors. The university fosters a comprehensive learning environment with an open-admission policy, catering to a diverse student body seeking both academic and hands-on training experiences. The campus features a contemporary architectural style with facilities structured to support a residential college experience, including on-campus housing options for students. While SMSU may not be particularly known for its athletic programs, it does provide athletic participation under the team name "Mustangs."
In the most recent statistical year 1,558 prospective students applied, and 1,427 were granted admission. Of those admitted 326 enrolled in the school. 1,708 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 5,222 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $8,840 plus fees of $1,282. Southwest Minnesota State University is ranked 948 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Southwest Minnesota State University is rated within the lower 30% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Southwest Minnesota State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#948 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#388 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#23 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Minnesota
#67 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 935/1102 |
| ACT | 17/23 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.21 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 18, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,282 |
| Room and Board | $9,258 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,614 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,194 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 39% |
| Education | 16% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 8% |
| Communication | 4% |
| Biology | 4% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Southwest Minnesota State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=175078 IPEDS survey data for Southwest Minnesota State University.
Current students may use the Southwest Minnesota State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024