About Southwest Minnesota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University serves 2,045 students in the small farming town of Marshall, about two hours southwest of Minneapolis. The 91.59% acceptance rate makes this one of the most accessible four-year universities in Minnesota, attracting students who want a college degree without the stress of highly selective admissions. Founded in 1963, SMSU built its reputation around teacher education and business programs that serve rural Minnesota communities. The remote town setting means campus life revolves around the university, and many students appreciate the tight-knit feel that comes with being one of the few entertainment options for miles around.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. After aid, students pay an average of $14,760 per year, with low-income families paying just $9,440. Graduates earn a median of $51,342 ten years after leaving school, which easily covers the typical debt load of $20,500. The monthly loan payment of $217 represents a manageable chunk of that salary. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same $10,304 tuition, making SMSU one of the better deals for non-Minnesota residents.
Women make up 66.45% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and health programs. The 44.10% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish or leave before completing their degrees.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. After aid, students pay an average of $14,760 per year, with low-income families paying just $9,440. Graduates earn a median of $51,342 ten years after leaving school, which easily covers the typical debt load of $20,500. The monthly loan payment of $217 represents a manageable chunk of that salary. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same $10,304 tuition, making SMSU one of the better deals for non-Minnesota residents.
Women make up 66.45% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and health programs. The 44.10% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish or leave before completing their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Southwest Minnesota State University focuses on practical, career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. The school is particularly known for its agriculture, business, and education programs, which align well with the needs of rural Minnesota communities. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for professors to know students personally and provide hands-on guidance. However, the 44.10% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees, often because they're working while attending school or transferring closer to home. The university emphasizes applied learning over research, making it a good fit for students who want practical skills rather than theoretical study.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 48.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.1%
- Retention Rate
- 69.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,342
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 |
| Education, General. | Master | $51,482 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $49,729 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,729 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
Campus Life
Marshall sits about 150 miles southwest of Minneapolis, making it one of the most isolated college towns in Minnesota. The campus serves 2,045 students in a rural setting where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero and you'll definitely need heavy coats from November through March. About 51% of students live in the dorms, which house 1,049 people, creating a close-knit residential feel where most social life happens on campus.
Weekends revolve around Mustang athletics, with 347 student-athletes competing in 12 NCAA Division II sports that draw solid crowds from the small-town community. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the campus culture feels more like a large high school than a big university. Students often drive to Sioux Falls (90 minutes) or Minneapolis (2.5 hours) for major shopping or entertainment, but most stick around campus for intramural sports, residence hall activities, and outdoor recreation when the weather cooperates. The isolation creates strong friendships but can feel limiting for students who crave city amenities.
Weekends revolve around Mustang athletics, with 347 student-athletes competing in 12 NCAA Division II sports that draw solid crowds from the small-town community. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the campus culture feels more like a large high school than a big university. Students often drive to Sioux Falls (90 minutes) or Minneapolis (2.5 hours) for major shopping or entertainment, but most stick around campus for intramural sports, residence hall activities, and outdoor recreation when the weather cooperates. The isolation creates strong friendships but can feel limiting for students who crave city amenities.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,049 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 4°–24°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 28.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -730.9"
Student Demographics
Southwest Minnesota State draws students who want a close-to-home college experience, with 71% coming from within Minnesota. The student body is twice as many women as men, which reflects the school's strong programs in education, health sciences, and social work that traditionally attract more female students. Most students come from working-class backgrounds in rural Minnesota and neighboring states, looking for an affordable path to careers in teaching, nursing, and business. The school serves as an educational anchor for southwestern Minnesota's farming and small-town communities.
- Men
- 33.6%
- Women
- 66.5%
- White
- 70.8%
- Black
- 7.9%
- Hispanic
- 8.2%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 71.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 10.8%
Location
Southwest Minnesota State University sits in Marshall, Minnesota, a town of about 13,000 people located 150 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The campus serves 2,045 students in a rural agricultural region where corn and soybean fields stretch to the horizon. Marshall feels like a classic small Midwestern town, with wide streets, local diners, and a pace that slows down considerably from city life. The nearest shopping mall or major entertainment options require a two-hour drive to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This remote setting means students form tight campus communities, but some find the isolation challenging after growing up near cities. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Southwest Minnesota State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Marshall, Minnesota 56258-5468
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,342
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,326
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University accepts 91.59% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The average ACT score is 20, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of students in rural Minnesota.
How much does Southwest Minnesota State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,760, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $9,440. In-state and out-of-state tuition are the same at $10,304, making it affordable for students from anywhere in the country.
What is the student experience like at Southwest Minnesota State University?
With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and enrollment of 2,045 students, Southwest Minnesota State offers small class sizes in a close-knit community. The retention rate of 69.59% reflects the challenges some students face in the remote Marshall location.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Southwest Minnesota State University?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,342 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $20,500. The employment rate reaches 98.3%, showing strong job placement despite the 44.10% six-year graduation rate.
Where do students live at Southwest Minnesota State University?
The campus houses up to 1,049 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $10,666. About 71% of students come from Minnesota, creating a strong regional community in this small prairie town.
Does Southwest Minnesota State University have strong athletics?
The Mustangs compete in NCAA Division II with 347 total athletes across 12 varsity sports. The university invests $1,261,081 in athletic scholarships, making sports an important part of campus life in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
