Education at Southwest Minnesota State University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Southwest Minnesota State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn $56k, placing them in the 49th percentile of all education masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Education masters's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Minnesota State University | $55,867 | $56,794 | — | — |
| Hamline University | $67,927 | — | — | — |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | $59,959 | $61,682 | — | — |
| Walden University | $59,485 | $56,613 | — | — |
| Bethel University | $57,694 | $61,438 | — | — |
| Capella University | $56,264 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $56,157 | — | — | — |
Other Education Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamline University Saint Paul | $48,311 | $67,927 | — |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona | $43,160 | $59,959 | — |
| Walden University Minneapolis | $12,498 | $59,485 | — |
| Bethel University Saint Paul | $42,930 | $57,694 | — |
| Capella University Minneapolis | $14,436 | $56,264 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Southwest Minnesota State University, approximately 11% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.