Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Southwest Minnesota State University, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 40% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 26th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (MN wage index 1.10). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Southwest Minnesota State University
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $71,933 | $83,735 | -6% | #580 of 966 | #834 | $13,875 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | — | $64,654 | +17% | #64 of 660 | #113 | $26,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $47,734 | $59,824 | -28% | #430 of 452 | #440 | $21,500 |
| Marketing | $48,939 | $58,574 | -15% | #406 of 516 | #465 | $19,747 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,245 | $55,559 | -19% | #948 of 1176 | #1059 | $20,500 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | $32,802 | $54,554 | +-0% | #269 of 610 | #383 | $18,000 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $49,521 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Psychology | $33,099 | $47,249 | -7% | #689 of 1027 | #852 | $25,125 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $43,875 | $47,219 | -8% | #272 of 345 | #328 | $29,000 |
| Social Work | $46,368 | $45,467 | -12% | #370 of 420 | #406 | — |
| Special Education and Teaching | $44,510 | — | — | — | — | $24,883 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,333 | $43,904 | -7% | #535 of 680 | #638 | $21,977 |
| Biology | $31,765 | — | — | — | — | $23,500 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Southwest Minnesota State University Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $246,708
- Avg rent near campus: $891/mo — vs ~$694/mo campus room rate
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 56175 (4.0% cap, Tracy)
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Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,840 | $8,840 |
| Room | $6,248 | |
| Board | $4,418 | |
| Total Cost (On-Campus) | $25,712 | $25,712 |
Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,440 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,263 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,810 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,813 |
| $110,001+ | $19,513 |
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?
How much does it cost to attend Southwest Minnesota State University?
What is the graduation rate at Southwest Minnesota State University?
Is Southwest Minnesota State University a good school?
- Outcomes (C+): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (C+): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (C+): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (A+): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (C): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Southwest Minnesota State University?
Is there rental demand near Southwest Minnesota State University?
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Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology