Your Tuition Could Be FREE!
A bunch of new programs are in place to provide sources of funding to cover tuition for students who meet requirements. Read more about the different programs below. Not sure which you qualify for? Contact us and we’ll help you navigate all the options you have available: admission@SMSU.edu
The Southwest Guarantee
SMSU's guaranteed scholarship program for new on-campus, first-year students. If you meet the GPA or ACT level your scholarship is guaranteed. Top students are eligible to compete for one of our full-ride scholarships at the Southwest Scholars Day.
Grade Point Average of 3.9+ OR ACT Score of 30+
- $2,500 per year, up to $10,000 for 4 years AND Eligible for Southwest Scholars Day
Grade Point Average of 3.6-3.89 OR ACT Score of 28-29
- $2,000 per year, up to $8,000 for 4 years AND Eligible for Southwest Scholars Day
Grade Point Average of 3.3-3.59 OR ACT Score of 25-27
- $1,500 per year, up to $6,000 for 4 years
Grade Point Average of 3.0-3.29 OR ACT Score of 21-24
- $1,000 per year, up to $4,000 for 4 years
Grade Point Average of 2.75-2.99 OR ACT Score of 20
- $500 per year, up to $2,000 for 4 years
Tuition is Frozen
SMSU tuition is frozen through Spring 2025. That means tuition will not change for two academic years. That means you can confidently plan for the cost of attending SMSU. Our tuition is already a great value plus we offer the same tuition rate to everyone regardless of where you’re from.
North Star Promise Scholarship Program
The North Star Promise makes your path to college clear by eliminating financial barriers. Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at eligible institutions as a "last-dollar" program by covering the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied. This program is funded by the Minnesota State Legislature through the Office of Higher Education. For the details, eligibility criteria, and FAQ sheet, visit https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2590
Other Awards & Scholarships from the SMSU Foundation
The SMSU Foundation offers a variety of scholarships and awards for incoming students. For a complete list, please go to https://smsu.awardspring.com/Home/Scholarships. The awards are subject to change annually.
