VSU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Valdosta State University is larger than Southwest Minnesota State University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 8,214 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

VSU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 Valdosta State University than Southwest Minnesota State University ($11,144 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 13.6% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($9,530 vs. $11,028).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is 69.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $4,237 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.1% higher at VSU than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $7,475 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at Valdosta State University (94% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 17.7% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($10,206 vs. $8,674).

VSU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020) is 10 points higher than at VSU (1010).
• Incoming Southwest Minnesota State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027; Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

VSU vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $3,322 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($21,678 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($224 vs. $258).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 41%)

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.