Academic Comparison between St Olaf College and Southwest Minnesota State

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

  • St Olaf College is a private (not-for-profit) and Southwest Minnesota State is a public 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 (30) 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

St Olaf Collegevs.Southwest Minnesota State University
Northfield, MinnesotaLocationMarshall, Minnesota
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$56,9702024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,304
Out-Of-State$10,304
98%% Receiving Financial Aid27%
$38,296Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,831
52.15 %Acceptance Rates68.94 %
26.56 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.30 %
1,350SAT Score-
30ACT Score19
84 %Graduation Rate40 %
11 %Transfer-out Rate30 %
90 %Retention Rate67 %
3,046Student Population6,930
211Number of Faculties104
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare