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Bemidji State University vs Southwest Minnesota State University

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, MN, and Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall, MN. Bemidji State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 56% of applicants against 62% at Southwest Minnesota State University. Bemidji State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,261 a year against $15,291 at Southwest Minnesota State University. About 51% of students graduate at Bemidji State University, compared with 45% at Southwest Minnesota State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bemidji State University alumni earn a median of about $53,755, against $51,342 for Southwest Minnesota State University.

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Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN · Public

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Bemidji, MN
Marshall, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,139
2,315
Acceptance rate
56%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
935–1102
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,261
$15,291
Full cost / yr
$22,744
$24,757
In-state tuition
$10,237
$10,361
Out-of-state tuition
$10,237
$10,361
Application fee
Not reported
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,073
$10,559
$30k - $48k
$10,207
$11,175
$48k - $75k
$12,201
$13,153
$75k - $110k
$15,857
$18,283
Over $110k
$19,940
$20,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
45%
Freshman retention
73%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,469
$43,282
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,755
$51,342
Median debt at graduation
$19,750
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
12%
First-generation students
27%
27%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 25
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bemidji State University or Southwest Minnesota State University harder to get into?
Bemidji State University is harder to get into. It admits about 56% of applicants, compared with 62% at Southwest Minnesota State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bemidji State University or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Bemidji State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,261 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,291 at Southwest Minnesota State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bemidji State University and Southwest Minnesota State University?
Before aid, Bemidji State University costs about $22,744 a year and Southwest Minnesota State University about $24,757. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bemidji State University or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Bemidji State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,073 there, against about $10,559 at Southwest Minnesota State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bemidji State University or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Bemidji State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,139 undergraduates against 2,315 at Southwest Minnesota State University.
Does Bemidji State University or Southwest Minnesota State University have a better graduation rate?
Bemidji State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 45% at Southwest Minnesota State University.
Do graduates of Bemidji State University or Southwest Minnesota State University earn more?
Bemidji State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,755 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,342 for Southwest Minnesota State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bemidji State University and Southwest Minnesota State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bemidji State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southwest Minnesota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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