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-
View Full Report Card
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
64%
Application Deadline
—
SAT Range
750-1070
ACT Range
19-24
Application Fee
$20
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Recommended
Will You Get In?

Test Scores and GPA for Southwest Minnesota State University

Cost

Net Price
$14,838/ year
National
$15,403
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $11,382/ year
  • $30-48k
    $11,142/ year
  • $49-75k
    $13,877/ year
  • $76-110k
    $17,591/ year
  • $110k+
    $18,383/ year

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.25 responses
64%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.25 responses

Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management
    85 Graduates
  • Early Childhood Education
    45 Graduates
  • Elementary Education
    45 Graduates
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
    31 Graduates
  • Psychology
    27 Graduates
  • Marketing
    26 Graduates
  • Nursing
    23 Graduates
  • Finance
    20 Graduates
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
    20 Graduates
  • Accounting
    19 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
2,066Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
9%
Pell Grant
35%
Varsity Athletes
17%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 16 responses
Report
  • Fun
    38%
  • Unique
    31%
  • Cliquey
    19%
  • Studious
    13%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
82%
of students say they don't have Greek life.22 responses
Poll
55%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.31 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 19 responses
Report
  • Friendly
    47%
  • Home
    26%
  • Not for me.
    21%
  • Convenient
    5%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$35,600/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
39%
National
48%
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
More

Southwest Minnesota State University Reviews

272 reviews
All Categories
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!
Review Southwest Minnesota State University
I love the education department here at SMSU. The professors are extremely passionate about teaching and are always eager to help anyone! Additionally, we have an EMSP club (Education Minnesota Student Program) that helps prepare you for teaching. Classes are never taught by teacher aids and the professors are very willing to help outside of class times. SMSU is a reasonable cost as well. You get the proper resources that you pay for. If you like smaller class sizes (20 to 40 students) and knowing almost everyone on campus, this would be the college for you.
I have transferred schools twice now and between all three post secondary institutions Southwest Minnesota State University takes the cake. They went out of their way to be helpful in the process of transferring and they were quick to respond to any questions I may have had. The advisor I was assigned to was truly an advocate for my admission, acceptance into the teacher education program and now success as a student at Southwest Minnesota State University. I would highly recommend this institution to all students looking to pursue a degree in Education!