Southwest Minnesota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University is a 4-year public school and a campus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. SMSU hosts two colleges and three schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 55 academic majors. In addition to classroom facilities, the university campus is home to the SMSU Art Museum, Museum of Indigenous Americans, and a planetarium. For students looking to improve their public speaking abilities, SMSU provides a space to practice and receive tutoring at the campus speech center.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | August 18 |
Admitted Student Stats
54%
Submitting ACT
1%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 20
Average SAT Composite: 1077
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
6,930
Total Number of Undergrads
6,518
Classroom Sizes
0
100
33%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
47%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
15:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $10,304 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $10,304 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $10,666 |
| Books and Supplies | $1200 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
49%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
10%
Average Aid Per Year
$7,389
10%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,212
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$3,631
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
59%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$7,616
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$14,190
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$208
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
100
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Mustangs
School Colors
brown and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Minneapolis
Sioux Falls
Saint Cloud
Rochester
Fargo
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$41,400
What Students Are Saying
Been a great experience thus far and I am excited to continue my college education here. Have referred SMSU to other people I know because it is so great.
Kayla from Marshall, MN
southwest minnesota state university is an amazing school, and has many majors to choose from. smsu has professors that are all very knowledgeable in more than just there specialties. there are many clubs and opportunities to get active in the school.
Tricia from Mapleton, IA
SMSU is safe. SMSU is good for education majors and PE majors. Others are welcome, but unless you are only going for cheep... it's not the best school..
Trisha from Lamberton, MN
SMSU is a great campus, full of life and school pride. It is small enough to feel welcome and homey but big enough to not feel like a small town high school. The professors go above and beyond for you to succeed.
Katie from Cokato, MN
Southwest Minnesota Statue University contains everything I had hoped a college would have. I felt at home here to moment I stepped foot on campus to tour as a Senior in high school, and as a Freshman here in college I haven't had a single regret. It's a smaller college, so professors know me by name, I get to know the people in my dorms and I feel like I can truly be successful here.
Anonymous from Marshall, MN
SMSU is a college with a small town feel. It is a safe environment and the classes teach you valuable skills for your intended career path. Overall, SMSU is a good college to be at.
Amber from Browerville, MN
The staff are very friendly. The class sizes are small and easier to learn in. The school is very nice.
Hailey from MN
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