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 is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
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 the institution 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. Program outcomes vary by major. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing reports 81 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $83,735. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 45 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $55,559. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness reports 40 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $54,554. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods reports 38 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $43,904.
