Bemidji State University — College Profile

About

Located directly on the scenic shores of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University is best known for its stunning natural setting and its deep commitment to environmental stewardship and Indigenous partnerships. The university excels in high-demand professional fields such as nursing, business, and criminal justice, while also offering premier, specialized programs in aquatic biology, wildlife biology, and Ojibwe language studies. Students enjoy an active, close-knit campus culture centered around outdoor recreation—including kayaking and ice fishing right from the university docks—alongside the electric atmosphere of Division I ice hockey. A truly distinctive feature of BSU is its climate-controlled underground tunnel system, which seamlessly connects almost every campus building to keep students warm and connected during the brisk northern Minnesota winters.

Wikipedia:Bemidji State University (BSU) is a public university in Bemidji, Minnesota, United States. Founded as a preparatory institution for teachers in 1919, it provides higher education to north-central Minnesota. It is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Location

Bemidji, MN, 56601 · Town campus

✈

Nearest airport from college

MSP · Minneapolis

196 mi away

Open in Google Maps ↗

Cost

In-state COA

$22,744

Out-of-state COA

$22,744

Avg net price

$15,261

Room & board

$10,462

In-state tuition

$10,237

Out-of-state tuition

$10,237

Books & supplies

$890/yr

Average net price by family income

$0–30k

$10,073

$30–48k

$10,207

$48–75k

$12,201

$75–110k

$15,857

$110k+

$19,940

Admissions

Admit rate

56%

Test policy

Test optional

SAT average

1090

ACT midpoint

Composite 18–24

English 15–22

Math 17–24

Wondering if Bemidji State University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list

Financial aid & net cost estimates

Deep dives on any school

Scholarship search

Get your college list →See a sample report first

Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes

Graduation rate

51%

4-yr on-time completion

33%

1st-yr retention

73%

Transfer-out rate

30%

8-year outcomes

Graduated

49%

Transferred

32%

Still enrolled

Dropped out / unknown

18%

Median earnings (6yr)

$47,469

Median earnings (10yr)

$53,755

Median debt

$19,750

Monthly loan payment

$209

Debt range (25th–75th)

$5,500–$23,336

Debt (90th percentile)

$30,487

Student Body

Men 39%Women 61%

Student : Faculty ratio

■Students ■ Faculty

Pell grant recipients

28%

First-generation

27%

Median family income

$57,931

Independent students

32%

Avg age at entry

24.0

Part-time students

27%

Race & ethnicity

White

77%

Hispanic

Black

Asian

Two or more

Non-resident

AI/AN

Programs & Earnings

Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings

Median earnings for graduates across all programs

6 years after entry

$47,469

10 years after entry

$53,755

Business Administration, Management and Operations152

Psychology, General93

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing86

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods69

Criminal Justice and Corrections59

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness45

Biology, General44

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas41

Accounting and Related Services41

Social Work34

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management27

Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General27

Design and Applied Arts18

Natural Resources Conservation and Research14

Mathematics14

Communication and Media Studies11

Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.

Institutional

Endowment

$40M

Classification

Master's (Small)

Undergraduate profile

Four-year, inclusive admissions

Full-time faculty

65%

Avg faculty salary

$10,427/mo

Instructional spend/student

$9,867