About

About Southwest Minnesota State University

public masters universityhigh acceptance ratehealth sciences focusprofessional programs

Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall, MN, known for its public masters university, high acceptance rate, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 92%, Southwest Minnesota State University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 326 students each year. Southwest Minnesota State University is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. Southwest Minnesota State University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $6,869 per year; the sticker price of $22,718 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Southwest Minnesota State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

92%
Overall Accept Rate
20
Median Admitted ACT
ACTScore range: 17 – 23

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Southwest Minnesota State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Test Score Strategy
Since SMSU is test optional and your scores are below the typical range for admitted students, you are better off not submitting them and letting your GPA and activities carry your application.
Essay Strategy
SMSU has deep roots in serving rural southwestern Minnesota communities, so if your background, goals, or experiences connect to rural life, agriculture, or small town communities, make that connection explicit in your application materials.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Southwest Minnesota State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$23k/yr$10.6k
30k-48k~$23k/yr$11.2k
48k-75k~$23k/yr$13.2k
75k-110k~$23k/yr$18.3k
110k+~$23k/yr$20.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

44%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$43k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,959
Undergrad Enrollment
Southwest Minnesota State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch