Overview
Enrollment
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is located in Marshall, Minnesota, a regional hub in the southwestern portion of the state approximately 150 miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul. Established in 1967, the campus features a modern architectural design with all academic buildings connected by enclosed walkways to accommodate Minnesota's winter weather. The university operates as a primarily undergraduate institution with select master's programs, offering liberal arts and professional degrees with notable programs in agriculture, business, education, and creative writing. SMSU maintains an open admission policy and serves as a residential campus with multiple student housing options, while also supporting a substantial commuter population from the surrounding rural region. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Mustangs, participating in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Southwest Minnesota State University is rated within the lower 33% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Southwest Minnesota State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#910 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#363 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#22 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Minnesota
#67 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 935/1102 |
| ACT | 17/23 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.21 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 18, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,464 |
| Room and Board | $10,666 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,542 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,712 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 39% |
| Education | 16% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 8% |
| Communication | 4% |
| Biology | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Southwest Minnesota State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=175078 IPEDS survey data for Southwest Minnesota State University.
Current students may use the Southwest Minnesota State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025