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St Olaf College vs Southwest Minnesota State University

St Olaf College is a private college in Northfield, MN, and Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall, MN. St Olaf College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 62% at Southwest Minnesota State University. Southwest Minnesota State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,291 a year against $23,874 at St Olaf College. About 84% of students graduate at St Olaf College, compared with 45% at Southwest Minnesota State University. Ten years after enrolling, St Olaf College alumni earn a median of about $65,543, against $51,342 for Southwest Minnesota State University.

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St Olaf College

Northfield, MN · Private

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Northfield, MN
Marshall, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,093
2,315
Acceptance rate
48%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1300–1470
935–1102
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,874
$15,291
Full cost / yr
$71,843
$24,757
In-state tuition
$59,760
$10,361
Out-of-state tuition
$59,760
$10,361
Application fee
$0
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,404
$10,559
$30k - $48k
$11,342
$11,175
$48k - $75k
$12,584
$13,153
$75k - $110k
$20,367
$18,283
Over $110k
$33,166
$20,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
45%
Freshman retention
92%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,373
$43,282
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,543
$51,342
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
12%
First-generation students
13%
27%
International students
11%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 St Olaf College or Southwest Minnesota State University harder to get into?
St Olaf College is harder to get into. It admits about 48% 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, St Olaf College or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,291 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,874 at St Olaf College. 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 St Olaf College and Southwest Minnesota State University?
Before aid, Southwest Minnesota State University costs about $24,757 a year and St Olaf College about $71,843. 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, St Olaf College or Southwest Minnesota State University?
St Olaf College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,404 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, St Olaf College or Southwest Minnesota State University?
St Olaf College is the larger of the two, with about 3,093 undergraduates against 2,315 at Southwest Minnesota State University.
Does St Olaf College or Southwest Minnesota State University have a better graduation rate?
St Olaf College has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 45% at Southwest Minnesota State University.
Do graduates of St Olaf College or Southwest Minnesota State University earn more?
St Olaf College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,342 for Southwest Minnesota State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do St Olaf College and Southwest Minnesota State University require SAT or ACT scores?
St Olaf College 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.
What SAT scores do St Olaf College and Southwest Minnesota State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1300–1470 at St Olaf College and 935–1102 at Southwest Minnesota State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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