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Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN·Public·3,120 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 3,120 students.

71%
Accept
3,120
Students
$17,050
Net Price
53%
Grad Rate
$44,000
Earnings
10 yr
$13,809
Debt

About This School

Bemidji State University is a public institution located in Bemidji, Minnesota with approximately 3,120 undergraduate students enrolled. Bemidji State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 71%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,050 per year. The graduation rate is 53%, and the typical graduate earns $44,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $17,050 average net price and low median debt of $13,809 make this one of the more affordable options you'll find, which matters. However, the 53% graduation rate is a real concern — only about half of students who start here finish — so you'll want to honestly assess what support systems you'll need to be in that successful half. If you're drawn to a small, affordable school in northern Minnesota and have a clear plan, it's worth a look, but don't choose it passively.

Founded
1919
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing21%
Education12%
Health Professions10%
Psychology10%
Biological Sciences5%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
Social Sciences3%
Mathematics1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Matt DaltonGary PaulsenJoel OttoZach Whitecloud

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1090

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,164
Out-of-State Tuition
$10,164
Avg Net Price
$17,050
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$13,809

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
53%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,809
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,809
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White78%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,120 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bemidji State University

1500 Birchmont Dr NE

Bemidji, MN 56601

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Minnesota

Browse all Minnesota schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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