Southwest Minnesota State University's published cost of attendance is $24,757. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $10,559, middle-income families pay around $13,153, and higher-income families pay approximately $20,701.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| 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 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,559 |
| $30–48k | $11,175 |
| $48–75k | $13,153 |
| $75–110k | $18,283 |
| $110k+ | $20,701 |
Southwest Minnesota State University's published cost of attendance is $24,757. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $10,559, middle-income families pay around $13,153, and higher-income families pay approximately $20,701. Azimuth ranks Southwest Minnesota State University #297 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Southwest Minnesota State's tuition structure reflects its public mission, with need-based aid available through federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans) and state programs. The institution participates in federal financial aid programs, and families apply using the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based support. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $20,500; families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $11,750, and private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $55,009, median federal debt of $20,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $232 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Southwest Minnesota State University earn median 4-year earnings of $55,009, placing Southwest Minnesota State University in the 24.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $10,029 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Southwest Minnesota State University in the 20.8 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Southwest Minnesota State University #1167 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. These figures represent lifetime returns relative to MN's no-degree-equivalent earnings baseline of $35,273 (the state median earnings of working adults with only a high school credential). The earnings pattern centers on education and human services fields, which align with regional workforce demand. Nursing is the largest program with 81 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $83,735, performing at 0.9x the national benchmark for the field. The Business Administration program graduates 45 students earning $55,559, and the The Kinesiology program graduates 40 students earning $54,554. Teacher Education and Special Education and Teaching round out the top five, with 38 and 23 graduates respectively. The concentration in Education reflects both the institution's academic focus and the stable, in-demand career pathways these fields support in rural and small-town Minnesota communities.
