Academic Comparison between Southwest Minnesota State and St Olaf

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 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 is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • St Olaf has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,760) than Southwest Minnesota State ($10,361).
  • It is harder to admit to St Olaf than Southwest Minnesota State.
  • St Olaf has higher submitted ACT score (20) than Southwest Minnesota State (20).
  • Southwest Minnesota State has more students with 8,214 students while St Olaf has 3,124 students.
  • St Olaf has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Southwest Minnesota State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • St Olaf has more full-time faculties with 232 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$10,361
Out-Of-State$10,361
2025 Tuition & Fees$59,760
24%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$7,386Average Amount of Financial Aid$44,394
62.18 %Acceptance Rates48.32 %
22.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.84 %
-SAT Score1,380
20ACT Score30
45 %Graduation Rate84 %
36 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
74 %Retention Rate92 %
8,214Student Population3,124
104Number of Faculties232
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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