Southwest Minnesota State University Cost & Financial Aid
Affordability Summary
Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Southwest Minnesota State University
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$10K
+
Room
$11K
+
Books
$1,200
=
Sticker Price
$24,757
$10K+$11K+$1,200=$24,757
Your Family Income
Sticker
$24,757
−
Your Aid
$11,604
=
Net Price
$13,153
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Southwest Minnesota State University Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price)
$24,757
Tuition and Fees
$10,361
Room and Board
$11,028
Books and Supplies
$1,200
Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships)
-$9,466
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$15,291
Southwest Minnesota State University Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$10,559
$30–48k
$11,175
$48–75k
$13,153
$75–110k
$18,283
$110k+
$20,701
Understanding Your Aid Package
Southwest Minnesota State University has a sticker price of $24,757 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $24,757/year
Average aid: $9,466 in grants & scholarships
~$13,153/year
Student Debt & Repayment
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$20,500
Range (25th–75th)$5,520 – $25,000
Median Parent PLUS Loans$11,750
Debt Manageability
0.37x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$51,342
Earnings Growth
+19%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$-10,029
21th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$35,692
25th %ile
$69,380
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Minnesota State University Cost & Financial Aid
Southwest Minnesota State University's published tuition is $24,757 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $13,153—a difference of $11,604.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $10,559 at Southwest Minnesota State University. 12% of students receive Pell Grants.
Southwest Minnesota State University offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Southwest graduates is $20,500, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $217 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $20,701 at Southwest—still $4,056 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
