MLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than MLC based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Martin Luther College is located in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Martin Luther College 10:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

MLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MLC or Southwest Minnesota State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southwest Minnesota State University than MLC ($15,547 vs. $18,974).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 28.4% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($7,900 vs. $11,028).
• Martin Luther College is 74.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $7,759 more per year; $18,120.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.9% higher at MLC than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $7,759 more per year; $18,120.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Martin Luther College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Martin Luther College students is 18.5% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($10,276 vs. $8,674).

MLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MLC or Southwest Minnesota State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southwest Minnesota State University and MLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Martin Luther College (1170) is 150 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming MLC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 1078/1256; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 22/27; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MLC - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Southwest Minnesota State University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MLC students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• MLC has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at MLC vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

MLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MLC and Southwest Minnesota State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than MLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $1,447 lower median loan debt than MLC graduates ($21,678 vs. $23,125).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MLC graduates ($224 vs. $239).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.