Fact Book
About SMSU
Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high-quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare students for a life that is successful both personally and professionally.
Founded in 1963 and opened in 1967, Over the years, SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers and entrepreneurs of the future.
Our Mission
Southwest Minnesota State University prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities. Our comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition, are dedicated to connecting students' academic and practical professional development experiences in southwestern Minnesota to the wider world.
Our Vision
Southwest Minnesota State University is a university of choice.
Administration
Dr. Connie J. Gores was appointed by the Minnesota State system and began her duties July 1, 2013. President Gores is the ninth permanent president of SMSU.
Accreditations
SMSU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Minnesota Board of Teaching, the Council on Social Work Education, the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602; (800) 621-7440. For more information about the Higher Learning Commission visit their website: www.ncahlc.org.
Academic Units
- College of Arts, Letters, & Sciences
- College of Business, Education & Professional Studies
University Governance
Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system, governed by a 15-member board of trustees. Trustees are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Minnesota State Senate. For more information about the Minnesota State system visit their website at www.minnstate.edu.
Majors and Minors
A list of majors and minors can be found in SMSU's academic catalog.
Our Students
Enrollment Figures from Fall 2017 |
|
|---|---|
| Total Headcount | 6,910 |
| Degree-seeking (undergrad) | 2,122 |
| Non-degree seeking | 4,357 |
| Graduate | 431 |
| Full-time Equivalent (undergrad) | 3,417 |
| FTE Graduate & Undergrad | 3,745 |
| Female | 57.7% |
| Male | 42.2% |
| Unknown | 0.1% |
| Students of Color | 13.4% |
| Minnesota Residents | 77.5% |
| Counties Represented | 75 |
| Out of State | 22.5% |
| States Represented | 38 |
| International | 6.1% |
| Countries Represented | 27 |
| (Demographics based on Degree-Seeking Undergraduate Students) | |
| Students Living on Campus | 672 |
| Freshmen Living on Campus | 84% |
| Average Class Size | 15 |
| Student : Faculty Ratio | 15:1 |
| Course sections <30 students | 79% |
| Course sections <50 students | 97% |
| Freshmen Retention (Fall '16 to Fall '17) | 59% |
| Percentage of Eligible Students Attaining Deans' List Honors |
22% |
Degrees Conferred |
|
|---|---|
| College of Arts, Letters & Sciences: | |
| Associate of Arts | 15 |
| Bachelor of Science or Arts | 213 |
| College of Business, Education & Professional Studies: | |
| Associate of Science | 3 |
| Bachelor of Science or Arts | 264 |
| Master of Science or Arts | 119 |
| Master of Business Admin(MBA) | 94 |
| Post-Graduate Certificate | 4 |
| Graduate Certificate | 2 |
| Undergraduate Certificate | 2 |
Our Alumni
Alumni |
|
|---|---|
| Total Alumni | 21,885 |
| Residing in Minnesota | 14,181 |
| Employed at SMSU | 111 |
Employment & Placement* |
|
|---|---|
| 99% of recent SMSU graduates are employed | |
| 97% of SMSU graduates secured employment in their field of study | |
| 14% of SMSU graduates are continuing their education | |
| * As reported by 2016 graduates within six months of graduation. |
|
Our Mustang Athletics
NCAA Division II
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
| Men's Sports | ||
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Cross Country | Track & Field* |
| Basketball | Football | Wrestling |
| Women's Sports | ||
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | Soccer | Tennis |
| Cross Country | Softball | Track & Field* |
| Golf | Swimming & Diving | Volleyball |
National Intercollegiate Wheelchair
Basketball Association
| Co-Ed Sports | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair Basketball | ||
* Track & Field Competes in Indoor/Outdoor Seasons
Our Faculty and Staff
| Faculty Full-time | 105 |
| Faculty Part-time | 122 |
| Total | Male | Female | |
| Professor | 53 | 29 | 24 |
| Associate Professor | 25 | 11 | 14 |
| Assistant Professor | 26 | 14 | 12 |
| Instructor/Adjunct | 123 | 48 | 75 |
| % of FT Faculty with Highest Degree in field |
90% |
| Staff Full-time | 172 |
| Staff Part-time | 39 |
| Total | Male | Female | |
| Administration | 13 | 7 | 6 |
| Professional | 125 | 57 | 68 |
| Support Staff | 73 | 32 | 41 |
Our Tuition and Affordability
Tuition (2018-19) |
|
|---|---|
| Undergrad Tuition & Fees (full-time) | $8,640 |
| Undergrad Room & Board (double room) | $8,036 |
| Undergrad tuition (per credit) | $243.00 |
| Graduate tuition (per credit) | $402.50 |
SMSU does NOT charge out of state tuition
Financial Aid (2017-18) |
|
|---|---|
| Avg Financial Aid Package | $10,740 |
| % of students receiving aid | 80% |
| # Scholarships/Grants Awarded | 3,959 |
| Federal Grants Awarded | $3,738,066 |
| State Grants Awarded | $21,911,590 |
| SMSU Scholarships/Grants Awarded | $2,677,183 |
Student Employment On-Campus |
|
|---|---|
| Students with Work-Study Jobs | 10.2% |
| Students with Regular Payroll Jobs | 24% |
MONEY Magazine Recognition
Southwest Minnesota State University has been named by MONEY Magazine as one of the 2018 Best Colleges in America.
MONEY Magazine
Return on Investment
SMSU ranked sixth in the state of Minnesota for lifetime return on investment. A total of 145 colleges in the state were analyzed, public and private, with 22 ranked. SMSU ranked highest of the Minnesota State 4-year institutions and was one of only two public institutions in the top 6.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org
Affordability
SMSU was recognized as a “Minnesota 20-30 Club” institution with annual tuition below $20,000 and graduate earning average above $30,000.
The College Database
| Athletic Achievements |
|---|
| 52 NSIC championships |
| 1 NCAA National Runner-up |
| 3 NCAA region championships |
| 3 NIWBT National Championships |
| 4 Individual National Champions |
| 215 All-Americans |
| 3 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients |
| 21 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans |
| 8 NSIC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards |
| 3 NSIC Male Scholar-Athletes of the Year awards |
| Attendance in 2017-18 |
|---|
| Football: 12,242 (2,448) |
| Volleyball: 11,354 (873) Ranked 3rd in NCAA DII |
| Women's & Men's Basketball: 19,600 (1,400) Ranked 18th in NCAA DII |
Athletic Highlights for 2017-18 Year
SMSU Athletics had an outstanding year in 2017-18, both on the field of play and, more importantly, off the field, as well.
- SMSU student-athletes compiled an average GPA of 3.13, the highest mark since SMSU moved to NCAA Division II in 1995-96.
- Women’s teams compiled a 3.40 GPA. Men compiled a GPA of 2.99.
- A total of 83 student-athletes named Academic All-NSIC (GPA of 3.20 or higher).
- 21 student-athletes received All-NSIC accolades.
- Eight student-athletes named All-Region.
- Seven student-athletes named All-American.
- Outdoor track & field athlete Alex Weis won the shot put at the 2017 NSIC Championships. It was his second straight individual title in the shot put.
- Outdoor track & field athlete Rhiannon Sears named 2017 NSIC Elite 18 winner.
- Football player Nate Huot broke the school and NSIC record for career receptions.
- Football player Jon Dicke was named first-team CoSIDA Academic All-American.
- Volleyball team advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 14th straight year and 15th overall.
- Volleyball team won the 2017 NSIC Tournament championship.
- Volleyball team hosted the 2017 NCAA Central Region Tournament for the second time in program history.
- Baseball player Jayden Fleck was named second-team CoSIDA Academic All-American.
- Cross country athlete Bashir Aidrus became the first Mustang to earn All-NSIC honors at the Division II level.
- Aidrus finished second at the 2017 NCAA Region Championships. He placed 18th at the NCAA Championships to become the program’s first-ever NCAA All-American.
- Aidrus won the 5,000 meters at the 2018 NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships with a meet-record time of 14:33.86. He also earned All-NSIC honors in the 3,000 meters.
- Men’s basketball team advanced to the 2018 NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in team history.
- Men’s basketball won its second straight NSIC South Division championship.
- Wheelchair basketball hosted the 2018 NWBA National Tournament.
- Wrestler Cortez Arredondo finished second at the 2018 NCAA Super Region championships and advanced to the NCAA Championships.
- Volleyball player Taylor Reiss was named the 2017 Division II Player of the Year.
- SMSU volleyball led Division II in hitting percentage and kills per set.
- Outdoor Track & Field athlete Rebecca Manteuffel finishes 18th in the shot put at the 2018 NCAA Championships. She is the first SMSU female to compete at the NCAA Championships.
Our Assets and Financial Data
The Campus
| Number of Acres | 216 |
| Number of Buildings | 27 |
| Building Space Maintained | 1,233,169 sq. ft |
| Building Replacement Value | $463,830,274 |
Financial Data*
| Net Tuition and Fees | $15,844,000 |
| State Operating Appropriation | $18,352,000 |
| Other Revenue | $17,770,000 |
| Salaries and Benefits | $39,243,000 |
| Other | $16,990,000 |
| Total Net Position | $49,612,000 |
| *(Financial data from fiscal year ended June 30, 2017) | |
Our SMSU Foundation
SMSU Foundation
| Fiscal Year 2017 | (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017) |
| Assets | $14,403,615 |
| Contributions Received | $3,933,915 |
| Number of Donors | 4,402 |
| Alumni Giving Percentage | 9.7% |
| Employee Giving Percentage | 60% |
| Foundation Dollars Contributed to Support SMSU |
$3,305,004 |
www.SMSUFoundation.org | 800-260-0970
The SMSU Foundation is served by a 31-member board consisting of alumni and friends of the institution who strive to advance the mission of the Foundation in support of SMSU. The SMSU Alumni Association, Minnesota Ag & Rural Leadership (MARL) and Mustangs Booster Club organizations all fall under the leadership of the SMSU Foundation and are served by their own respective boards. These three organizations each have distinct missions that serve a broad range of constituents.
Alumni: www.SMSUAlumni.com
MARL: www.MARLProgram.org
Boosters: www.SMSUMustangs.com
Our Strategic Plan
SMSU is proud of its tradition of excellence, which is guided by the University's ongoing strategic planning process. Since its founding, enabled and inspired by the people of Southwest Minnesota and the surrounding region who dared to dream of a university on the prairie, Southwest Minnesota State University has been a center for learning.
Each successive generation of students, faculty, and staff, with the support of the community, has contributed to the ongoing success of the institution. To learn more about our strategic planning process, visit our website at
www.smsu.edu/administration/strategicplanning
Our Recent Highlights
We serve approximately 7,000 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs through on-campus, remote site and online delivery.
One of the top nationally-accredited concurrent enrollment programs in Minnesota, serving 5,470 students across the state with an emphasis on providing continual professional development and networking opportunities for high school teachers who deliver College Now courses. Concurrent enrollment courses are offered in 112 Minnesota high schools, making it the largest such program in the state.
Master of Science in Education Learning Communities provide graduate programs statewide.
A total of six ag-related majors within the School of Agriculture. Southwest Minnesota’s economy revolves around agriculture, and graduates from these degree programs are leaders in their respective communities.
The only Bachelor of Science in Culinology® degree in the United State.
SMSU’s RN to BSN program serves nurses in southwest Minnesota who want to earn that BSN degree while still working full-time. Program delivery is convenient for working nurses and busy lifestyles.
SMSU boasts a 99% job placement rate.
The RN to BSN degree is ranked number 5 in the “10 Most Affordable Nursing Degrees in Minnesota” by College Choice.
Recognition as a Military Friendly University, and a Yellow Ribbon Campus. SMSU supports its veterans and their families as they pursue their academic goals.
A new Agricultural Education degree program, the only such program in the Minnesota State system. Agriculture teachers are in high demand in the region/state, with 3 jobs for every graduate.
SMSU’s growing Exercise Science Program is now offered at a trio of Twin Cities community colleges: Normandale, North Hennepin and Anoka-Ramsey.
SMSU ‘s annual tuition and fees are $8,640.
All students—in-state, out-of-state and international—pay in-state tuition rates.
A $1.6 million renovation to the campus Dining Services area, giving students more, and healthier, dining options throughout the day.
A collaborative agreement with city and Marshall Schools resulting in a new Marshall Regional Track & Field Complex on campus, the finest of its kind in southwest Minnesota. SMSU and Marshall High School also have collaborative agreements to share facilities for football and soccer.
Our Community
SMSU is located in Marshall, Minnesota, a friendly, growing community of 14,000. Marshall, named one of America’s Best Small Cities, is an easy drive from the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Sioux Falls, SD and Fargo, ND. Marshall is also the proud home of Schwan’s Company, Ralco Nutrition, Action TrackChair, along with major employers USBank, Archer Daniels Midland, Affiliated Community Medical Center, and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Marshall is also home to the new Red Baron Arena & Expo.
For more information about Marshall visit: www.discoversouthwestmn.com
Our Mustang Family
We invite you to visit SMSU and to experience for yourself all that it has to offer. SMSU truly is where you belong!
Contact the Office of Admission:
800-642-0684
SMSU.Admissions@SMSU.edu
www.SMSU.edu
Published by:
SMSU Advancement Office and
Data Management & Institutional Research Office
1501 State Street · Marshall MN 56258
Last Modified: 10/2/18 11:12 AM