Marshall, MN · Private University
Is Southwest Minnesota State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,342
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,304
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$10,304
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$41,216
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.98x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
44.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,760
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn $6,342 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Southwest Minnesota State University ranked by graduate earnings
62 graduates
23 graduates
61 graduates
20 graduates
17 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Southwest Minnesota State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Southwest Minnesota State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $71,933) and the lowest (Biology, General: $31,765) is $40,168/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $71,933 | 7.0x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $58,124 | 5.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $52,172 | 5.1x |
| Marketing | $50,032 | 4.9x |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $48,646 | 4.7x |
| Psychology, General | $46,366 | 4.5x |
| Special Education and Teaching(1yr data) | $44,510 | 4.3x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,463 | 4.3x |
| Social Work | $44,189 | 4.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas(1yr data) | $43,875 | 4.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,505 | 3.9x |
| Biology, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $31,765 | 3.1x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Southwest Minnesota State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $51,342 10 years after starting, $6,342 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.5 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.