University of West Alabama vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL 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 University of West Alabama based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama than Southwest Minnesota State University ($13,954 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 25.4% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($8,230 vs. $11,028).
• University of West Alabama is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $629 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.9% higher at University of West Alabama than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $9,729 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at University of West Alabama (94% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Alabama students is 4.2% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($9,037 vs. $8,674).

University of West Alabama vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020) is 30 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming Southwest Minnesota State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027; Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southwest Minnesota State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.21) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Southwest Minnesota State University has a higher acceptance rate (62.2%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

University of West Alabama vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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).

• Southwest Minnesota State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $4,811 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($21,678 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($224 vs. $273).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 36%)

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.