Southwest Minnesota State University

Overview of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU)

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The university is dedicated to preparing students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities Southwest Minnesota State University also strives to develop broadly educated and well-rounded leaders. It offers a wide variety of inclusive and student-centered experiences designed to prepare students for personal and professional success. Other values include civic engagement, and strategic partnerships.

There were approximately 6,747 students enrolled at Southwest Minnesota State University in fall 2021. While 4,340 of those enrolled are non-degree seeking, 1,970 were pursuing undergraduate degrees and 437 were pursuing graduate degrees. Total full-time faculty employment was about 257, with another 171 providing instructional support part time. This makes the student-to-faculty ratio 16:1, which is quite competitive among colleges and universities in the nation. Notably, however, no professors or staff members are dedicated to research and public service pursuits and there are no graduate assistant positions available at the institution.

Top Rankings For Southwest Minnesota State University

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SMSU Acceptance Rate and Admissions

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SMSU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid

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Tuition rates at Southwest Minnesota State University vary based on the enrollment status and the number of courses taken. For in-state, undergraduate students enrolled in 12 to 18 credits, tuition and fees are charged at a flat rate of $5,061 per semester. Those taking fewer than 12 credits will be charged $305 per credit hour.

It’s important to realize that some programmatic tuition charges may apply. Those taking studio art, introduction to art, art education, science labs, and culinology and hospitality labs may pay an additional $3.30 to $30.82 more per credit hour.

Non-residents pay higher tuition and fee rates. Southwest Minnesota State University does, however, offer reciprocity applications for students from Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Residents of Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, and Kansas can also participate in the Midwest Student Exchange Program, which grants Minnesota resident tuition rates.

Students are also responsible for paying for housing and meals. Southwest Minnesota State University has several room and board options available. The cost of living on campus ranges from $2,550 to $3,755 per semester depending on the residence hall and rooming status selected. Meal plans range from $1,751 to $2,045 per semester. Additional expenses often include books, supplies, transportation, parking, and personal needs.

The Student Financial Aid Office at Southwest Minnesota State University helps students find financial means that enable them to enroll in and complete their academic programs. It coordinates all federal, state, and institutional financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, student employment, and student loans.

As of the 2020-2021 academic year, 98% of beginning undergraduate students enrolled at Southwest Minnesota State University received some form of financial aid. While the majority of assistance came in the form of scholarships and grants, 68% of students still required student loans to attend.

Sticker Price

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SMSU Academics

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Southwest Minnesota State University offers numerous comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition. Undergraduate options lead to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Associate of Science, and Associate of Arts degrees. Many graduate and online opportunities are available as well. Each helps to connect students’ academics with practical professional development experiences. Professors encourage discovery through innovative teaching, research, and other high-impact opportunities.

Students can pursue educational opportunities in any of nine major departments:

The institution also offers flexible, online degree and certificate programs. Students enrolled have the same support, resources, and education available to those who attend classes in person. Additionally, regardless of location, everyone qualifies for the same low, in-state tuition rates.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the retention rate for first-time students pursuing bachelor’s degrees full-time at Southwest Minnesota State University is 63%. The retention rate for part-time students is 50%. This indicates that the majority of those enrolled at the university were pleased with their experiences and opted to return for a second year of study.

Graduation rates are lower, however. This data is significant, as it indicates the number of students who successfully earned their degrees or certificates within 150% of the standard completion time. The overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time degree or certificate-seeking students who began their studies at Southwest Minnesota State University in fall 2015 was 48%. However, the transfer-out rate was 30%, meaning that these students may still have graduated, they simply did so from a different school and thus were not counted in this school’s statistics.

Southwest Minnesota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The university also maintains many specialized accreditations.

Student Population Total

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Outcome & Salary

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Based on data provided by Southwest Minnesota State University in 2020, approximately 99.4% of recent graduates are employed. Of those, over 96% secured professional employment related to their fields of study and 84% found work in Minnesota. Additionally, some graduates from the institution go on to continue their education. Just under 11% are currently enrolled in degree programs at other colleges and universities.

It's also worth mentioning that Southwest Minnesota State University has a 99% job placement rate for online learners. Of those, 97% find employment within their fields.

Photos & Videos

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