Academic Comparison between Southwest Minnesota State and Gustavus Adolphus

Southwest Minnesota State University and Gustavus Adolphus 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 Gustavus Adolphus is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Saint Peter, 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 Gustavus Adolphus is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Gustavus Adolphus has more expensive tuition & fees ($56,076) than Southwest Minnesota State ($10,361).
  • It is harder to admit to Gustavus Adolphus than Southwest Minnesota State.
  • Gustavus Adolphus has higher submitted ACT score (20) than Southwest Minnesota State (20).
  • Southwest Minnesota State has more students with 8,214 students while Gustavus Adolphus has 1,906 students.
  • Gustavus Adolphus has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Southwest Minnesota State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Gustavus Adolphus has more full-time faculties with 174 faculties while Southwest Minnesota State has 104 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Southwest Minnesota State Universityvs.Gustavus Adolphus College
Marshall, MinnesotaLocationSaint Peter, Minnesota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$10,361
Out-Of-State$10,361
2025 Tuition & Fees$56,076
24%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$7,386Average Amount of Financial Aid$39,168
62.18 %Acceptance Rates60.99 %
22.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.17 %
-SAT Score-
20ACT Score27
45 %Graduation Rate77 %
36 %Transfer-out Rate16 %
74 %Retention Rate88 %
8,214Student Population1,906
104Number of Faculties174
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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services