Southwest Minnesota State University
About
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in Marshall is best known for providing an affordable, career-focused education deeply tied to the surrounding region's agricultural and corporate sectors. The university boasts strong programs in Education, Agribusiness Management, and Hospitality, and it is particularly distinguished for pioneering the nation's first bachelor’s degree in Culinology, which uniquely blends culinary arts with food science. Students experience a welcoming, close-knit campus culture featuring NCAA Division II Mustang athletics, active student organizations, and small class sizes that foster direct faculty mentorship. A standout characteristic of SMSU is its modern, fully accessible physical design, featuring an interconnected network of skyways and tunnels that allow students to navigate all main academic buildings without stepping outside during harsh Minnesota winters.
Wikipedia:Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is a public university in Marshall, Minnesota, United States. It is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The university has an enrollment of approximately 8,700 students and employs 148 faculty members. It is divided into two major colleges, the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences and the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies.
Location
Cost
Admissions
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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
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Southwest Minnesota 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.