Southwest Minnesota State University

4/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Marshall, MN
0 reviews

#8 Best Public Universities in Minnesota

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

8,214

Location Marshall, Minnesota
Website smsu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Rural Fringe

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is located in Marshall, Minnesota, a regional hub in the southwestern portion of the state approximately 150 miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul. Established in 1967, the campus features a modern architectural design with all academic buildings connected by enclosed walkways to accommodate Minnesota's winter weather. The university operates as a primarily undergraduate institution with select master's programs, offering liberal arts and professional degrees with notable programs in agriculture, business, education, and creative writing. SMSU maintains an open admission policy and serves as a residential campus with multiple student housing options, while also supporting a substantial commuter population from the surrounding rural region. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Mustangs, participating in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

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Ratings

Southwest Minnesota State University is rated within the lower 33% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10.

Overall Rating

4 out of 10
Academics

4 out of 10
Resources

3 out of 10
Outcomes

4 out of 10
Value

2 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Southwest Minnesota State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 935/1102
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 17/23

Acceptance Rate

62.2%

Applications Due Aug 18, 2027
Enrollment Rate 22.2%
Application Fee $20

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$10,361

Costs for Southwest Minnesota State University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$10,361
Books and Supplies		$1,200
Other Fees		$1,521
Room and Board		$11,028
Budget for Other Expenses		$3,652
Total One Year Cost		$27,762

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$41,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

39% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Southwest Minnesota State University are Business, Education, and Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies. 39% of students major in Business, 16% in Education, and 8% in Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies.