Academic Comparison between Southwest Minnesota State and Bethel

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

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 Bethel is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Bethel has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,600) than Southwest Minnesota State ($10,361).
  • It is harder to admit to Southwest Minnesota State than Bethel.
  • Southwest Minnesota State has higher submitted ACT score (20) than Bethel (18).
  • Southwest Minnesota State has more students with 8,214 students while Bethel has 1,167 students.
  • Bethel has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Southwest Minnesota State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Southwest Minnesota State has more full-time faculties with 104 faculties while Bethel has 57 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Southwest Minnesota State Universityvs.Bethel University
Marshall, MinnesotaLocationMishawaka, Indiana
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$10,361
Out-Of-State$10,361
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,600
24%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$7,386Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,671
62.18 %Acceptance Rates97.66 %
22.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.44 %
-SAT Score1,020
20ACT Score18
45 %Graduation Rate53 %
36 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
74 %Retention Rate72 %
8,214Student Population1,167
104Number of Faculties57
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services