Other Admission
Home School Students
Southwest Minnesota State University 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.
Returning Students
Students who have attended Southwest Minnesota State University in the past and have not been enrolled in the last one or more terms (excluding summer sessions) must complete the Returning Student 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.
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.
Part-Time, Non-Degree Students
Southwest Minnesota State University recognizes that not all students can attend college full-time. For this reason, part-time, non-degree seeking students who have not been enrolled in secondary school or another college/university for one year may be allowed to enroll in a maximum of six credits per semester by completing a part-time 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. Concurrently enrolled high school students may not enroll under this status. It is important to note that students under this status are often not eligible for financial aid.
Click here for the Admission Forms.
High School Students
Concurrent with high school enrollment, high school students may be admitted to Southwest Minnesota State University for either part-time or full-time enrollment under the Post-Secondary Enrollment Program. Enrollment is dependent upon space availability in the courses desired by the students.
Students wishing to enroll must meet the following requirements:
- High School Seniors must rank in the upper one-half of their graduating class while junior must rank in the upper one-third.
- Submit the appropriate form (PSEO or SACP) signed by a designated school official and parent.
- Submit official transcript noting class rank.
Students planning to attend Southwest Minnesota State University 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 Southwest Minnesota State University Office of Admission.
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 is $20 per credit hour plus applicable fees. Senior citizens may audit credit courses at no charge and have all fees except laboratory and material fees waived. This option is available only after all tuition-paying students have been accommodated.
Returning Service Members
SMSU promptly reopens applications for service members with the same academic status they had when last attending the school or when they were accepted for admission to the University. 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.