At $14,760/yr net price, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn $51,342/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,342/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,760 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,040 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,342/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,342/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,440/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,263/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,810/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,813/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,513/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $13,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $51,482 | $17,448 |
| 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 | $21,500 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $42,123 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $24,883 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $20,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.1% of students at Southwest Minnesota State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southwest Minnesota State University gives you a moderate financial return with low risk on the debt side. You leave with median debt around $20,500 against median earnings of $51,342 ten years out, so your debt stays below your first-year pay in most cases. The bigger threat is finishing at all: only 44% of students graduate, and 30% don't return after their first year. If you drop out, you carry debt without the degree that pays it back.
Nursing is the clear win here. At $61,020 a year with under $14,000 in debt, it pays the most and borrows the least of any program listed. Accounting and finance land in the mid-$40Ks, solid for a Marshall-area cost of living. Agricultural business fits the surrounding farm economy of southwest Minnesota and pays about $42,000. Special education pays the least of the top programs at $41,937 while carrying the highest debt at $24,883, so weigh that gap before you commit to a teaching track.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $9,440 a year. over $110,000, you pay more than double at $19,513. Aid here is need-based enough that the sticker gap between income brackets is real money, not marketing.
This school fits you if you want nursing, accounting, or an ag-business career and plan to stay in the region where those wages stretch further. It fits you if your family income is under $48,000 and you'll actually finish. Look elsewhere if you're unsure you'll complete a degree, since the low graduation and retention rates are the real financial risk, or if you're chasing high earnings outside the listed programs, since no data supports a big payoff beyond nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Minnesota State University worth the cost?
With a net price of $14,760 and median earnings of $51,342 after 10 years, Southwest Minnesota State offers decent value for students who graduate. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying programs at Southwest Minnesota State University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return at Southwest Minnesota State, with graduates earning around $61,020 annually. Business administration follows at $55,964, while education majors typically earn $49,000-$51,000.
How much debt do Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have?
The median debt for Southwest Minnesota State graduates is $20,500, which is manageable given the $51,342 average earnings. Students typically pay about 5% of their income toward loans after graduation.
What is the biggest risk of attending Southwest Minnesota State University?
The 44% graduation rate is the main concern at Southwest Minnesota State University. Students who don't complete their degree face debt without the earning power to justify the investment.