St. Ambrose University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA 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 St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Ambrose University is located in Davenport, IA (Small City setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Ambrose University 11:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

St. Ambrose University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Ambrose University 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 St. Ambrose University ($15,547 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 17.6% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($11,028 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 253.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $26,297 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 253.8% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $26,297 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 198.3% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($25,877 vs. $8,674).

St. Ambrose University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Ambrose University 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 St. Ambrose University .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Ambrose University (1050) is 30 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming St. Ambrose University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 930/1170; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 20/25; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Ambrose University - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Ambrose University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• St. Ambrose University has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at St. Ambrose University vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

St. Ambrose University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Ambrose University 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $4,086 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($21,678 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($224 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.