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C+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B-
  2. Value
    B
  3. Diversity
    B
  4. Campus
    C+
  5. Athletics
    B
  6. Party Scene
    B
  7. Professors
    C+
  8. Location
    B-
  9. Dorms
    B-
  10. Campus Food
    C+
  11. Student Life
    C
  12. Safety
    A-
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Southwest Minnesota State University is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division II (with football)
Athletic Conference
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
Address
1501 State St
Marshall, MN 56258
Website
smsu.edu

Southwest Minnesota State University Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
54%
Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
SAT Range
765-1075
ACT Range
18-23
Application Fee
$20
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Recommended
Early Decision/Early Action
—
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Cost

Net Price
$14,824/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $11,376/ year
  • $30-48k
    $11,594/ year
  • $49-75k
    $13,691/ year
  • $76-110k
    $17,199/ year
  • $110k+
    $18,375/ year
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Academics

Professors
C+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
28:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
76%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.21 responses
56%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.27 responses
63%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.27 responses

Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management
    53 Graduates
  • Early Childhood Education
    50 Graduates
  • Elementary Education
    38 Graduates
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
    30 Graduates
  • Marketing
    26 Graduates
  • Nursing
    25 Graduates
  • Accounting
    24 Graduates
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    23 Graduates
  • Foundations of Education
    19 Graduates
  • Biology
    18 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
2,056Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
9%
Pell Grant
36%
Varsity Athletes
17%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 18 responses
Report
  • Unique
    39%
  • Fun
    33%
  • Cliquey
    17%
  • Studious
    11%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
83%
of students say they don't have Greek life.24 responses
Poll
55%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.33 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 21 responses
Report
  • Friendly
    48%
  • Home
    29%
  • Not for me.
    19%
  • Convenient
    5%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$37,100/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
50%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
94%
National
83%
78%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.18 responses
Colleges like Southwest Minnesota State University
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Southwest Minnesota State University Reviews

285 reviews
All Categories
A harsh but truthful review... My best friend goes here and I've heard nothing but bad things from about it. The professors are rude, and she was even encouraged to drop out by one of them.
The students are either hooked on marijuana because of the depressing town or hooking up with each other for something to do. The campus safety precautions are terrible, which she found out for herself after a classmate assaulted her. They didn't expel him, just put him in a neighboring dorm!
The scholarships are basically nonexistent. There is only one good dorm on campus, and it's hard to get into. I could go on. I'm glad I decided not to go here when I had the chance.
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Southwest Minnesota State University is a really great school. There is a good ratio of professors to students, so you feel like you can get some extra help from the professors if you need it. The professors are very nice as well (at least the ones I've had). They welcome questions, and help you to the best of their ability. The layout of the school is really nice and simple, as there are multiple ways to get to most places. It was a bit intimidating at first, but I quickly got used to the way the school is laid out. As for the classes, they are pretty good. There is a wide range of subjects that are offered, so odds are that you will find the types of classes you are looking for. During the time between classes, you can sit in one of the many comfortable couches and chairs in various parts of the school. The food is good too, if you're wondering about that. Just beware of the Freshman 15 if you eat from the buffet!
Going to SMSU was not my original plan, but now that I have been attending for a couple years, I love it! There is new additions all the time. The amount of international students is actually very helpful I think. It is also a very small campus, and feels very home-like.