A-037 University Admission

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is interested in attracting and admitting students who provide evidence of strong academic preparation and of potential to be successful in the academic programs offered by the University. The University is committed to a policy that no person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Students who do not meet admission requirements may be considered for Admission if judged to have the potential to be successful in the academic program at SMSU.

First-Year Student Admission Procedures

First-Year students are defined as students who have or will graduate from high school or who have attained the General Education Development high school equivalency diploma (GED) and have not attended a post-secondary institution. Students who have earned college credit while in high school are considered first-year students in the admission process.

Application for First-Year Student Admission

Students wishing to be considered for admission to SMSU must present the following information:

Completed application for admission
Non-refundable application fee of $20
High school transcripts(s) or a self-reported, high school Grade Point Average (GPA) at the point of application

Note: Official final high school transcripts, complete with date of graduation, must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to the start of first term of enrollment.

First-Year Student Admission Criteria

Each application for admission is reviewed individually, looking at the whole person. SMSU considers GPA, high school rank, test scores, curriculum, and other academic indicators. Personal statements and recommendations are optional and will be considered if submitted.

In order to be eligible for admission students should have completed college preparatory courses which provide mastery of competencies in Grades 9-12.

To be automatically admitted, New First-Year students must have:

A rank in their high school graduating class in the top 50 percent

Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

The University will evaluate each applicant’s credentials individually and note any deficiencies. If students are denied and wish to appeal their admission decision and provide additional evidence to support their application, they may do so.

Admission of Home School Students

SMSU recognizes that not all students come to the University from the traditional high school setting. Therefore, in addition to the application for admission, students graduating from a Home School are required to submit an official transcript showing courses taken and grades received. Applicants are expected to document admission eligibility; those who are unable to present traditional documentation of educational preparation shall be individually evaluated on the basis of guidelines consistent with the institution's identity and mission.

Admission of GED Students

Students with an earned GED may be considered for admission after submitting an official copy of GED Scores with passing scores in all subject areas.

Transfer Student Admission Procedures

Students who have acquired credits from another post-secondary institution are considered transfer students and should follow the guidelines below:

Application for Transfer Admission

Transfer students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

Completed Application for Admission
Non-refundable application fee of $20
Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from each institution to the SMSU Office of Admission.

Note: An official transcript is required from all previously attended institutions prior to starting classes in the first term of enrollment.

Transfer Admission Criteria

Transfer admission may be granted to students who meet the following criteria:

Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in previous college coursework from a college, university, or technical college.
Students transferring with fewer than 24 semester hours from an accredited two- or four-year institution must also submit an official high school transcript.

Information regarding preparation for transfer or evaluation of transfer credits can be obtained by contacting the Transfer Specialist in the Registration and Records Office.

International Student Admission

See SMSU Policy A-029, “International Student Admission Policy and English Proficiency for Non-Native Speakers.”

Readmission to the University

Students who have attended SMSU in the past and have not been enrolled in the last one or more terms (excluding summer sessions) must complete a readmission form to update all personal and program information. Students who have attended another college or university during their time away from SMSU should submit official transcripts in order to have their potential transfer credit evaluated.

Readmission of Military Service Members

SMSU promptly readmits military service members with the same academic status they had when last attending the school or accepted for admission to the school. This requirement applies to any student who cannot attend school due to military service. Please reference the Frequently Asked Questions: Institutional Readmission Requirements for Service Members guidance available on the U.S. Department of Education’s website for qualifications and exceptions.

Enrollment of High School Students

While in high school, high school students may be admitted to SMSU for either part-time or full-time enrollment under the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO). Enrollment is dependent upon space availability in the courses desired by the students.

Seniors need to meet one of the following requirements:

3.0 GPA or above in high school
Be in the top half of their graduating class
Score in the 50^th percentile on a nationally standardized test

Juniors need to meet one of the following requirements:

3.0 GPA or above in high school
Be in the top third of their graduating class
Score in the 70^th percentile on a nationally standardized test

Homeschool students need to meet the following requirement:

Seniors: Score in the 50^th percentile on a nationally standardized test
Juniors: Score in the 70^th percentile on a nationally standardized test

Students planning to attend SMSU under the PSEO program are strongly encouraged to work closely with their high school counselor. Questions relative to the PSEO program should be directed to the College Now office.

Enrollment of Part-Time, Non-Degree Students

SMSU recognizes that not all students can attend college full-time. For this reason, non-degree-seeking students who have not been enrolled in secondary school or another college or university for one year may be allowed to enroll in a maximum of six credits per semester by completing a non-degree-seeking student application. Students may continue under this status until they have earned 36 credit hours, at which time they must apply for admission and provide all documentation listed previously. Students taking college-level courses in high school may not enroll under this status.

Senior Citizens

The 1975 Minnesota Law, Chapter 136, “Senior Citizens Higher Education Program,” allows residents who have reached the age of 62 years or older prior to the beginning date of a course to enroll for credit. The administrative charge for senior citizens taking credit courses on a space-available basis will be assessed. Senior citizens may audit credit courses at no charge and have all fees except laboratory and material fees waived.

Policy History

Date of Adoption: February 7, 1983
Date of Last Review: April 21, 2025

Date and Subject of Amendments

4/21/2025 – Updating admission requirements pertaining to undergraduate domestic, undergraduate online, and PSEO/Concurrent Enrollment
10/13/2024 - Language was added to address readmission of service members.