Academic Comparison between Southwest Minnesota State and St Olaf College

Southwest Minnesota State University and St Olaf College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Southwest Minnesota State is a four-year, public school located in Marshall, MN and St Olaf College is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Northfield, MN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Southwest Minnesota State is a public and St Olaf College is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • St Olaf College has more expensive tuition & fees ($56,970) than Southwest Minnesota State ($10,304).
  • It is harder to admit to St Olaf College than Southwest Minnesota State.
  • St Olaf College has higher submitted ACT score (19) than Southwest Minnesota State (19).
  • Southwest Minnesota State has more students with 6,930 students while St Olaf College has 3,046 students.
  • St Olaf College has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Southwest Minnesota State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • St Olaf College has more full-time faculties with 211 faculties while Southwest Minnesota State has 104 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Southwest Minnesota State Universityvs.St Olaf College
Marshall, MinnesotaLocationNorthfield, Minnesota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$10,304
Out-Of-State$10,304
2024 Tuition & Fees$56,970
27%% Receiving Financial Aid98%
$6,831Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,296
68.94 %Acceptance Rates52.15 %
20.30 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.56 %
-SAT Score1,350
19ACT Score30
40 %Graduation Rate84 %
30 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
67 %Retention Rate90 %
6,930Student Population3,046
104Number of Faculties211
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services