SMSU ag programs ranked No. 4 in Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University’s agriculture programs have been ranked No. 4 in Minnesota by PLEXUSS Global Rankings.

In an effort to streamline the many college rankings each year, Plexuss.com created PLEXUSS College Rankings. In addition to gathering rankings of several sources, the site includes what it considers the most reputable ranking sources in order to create its own ranking system. Its methodology incorporates input from students, education partners, data scientists, employers, parents and high school counselors.

SMSU offers six ag-related degrees within the School of Agriculture, including agribusiness management, agricultural education, agricultural communication and leadership, agricultural solutions, agriculture, and agronomy.

“SMSU offers a wide range of ag programs and we are pleased with our number 4 ranking,” said Professor of Economics and Department Chair Dr. Gerald Toland.

Toland said SMSU ag students have the unique opportunity for hands-on learning at the university’s agricultural test plots, located near campus. Through agreements with regional ag-related industries, there’s also research and intern opportunities.

The vision for the School of Agriculture is to encourage multi-disciplinary educational opportunities for SMSU students. The goal for the School of Agriculture is to help the agricultural economies of Minnesota, the region and the world to meet the need for responsible and educated professionals who will make smart decisions for productive and sustainable growth in the 21st century.

SMSU ranked 3rd nationally as Military Spouse Friendly School

Southwest Minnesota State has been ranked third nationally as a Military Spouse Friendly School.

Institutions earning the Military Spouse Friendly School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey, with 747 schools earning the designation as a Military Friendly School, of which 194 were selected for the Military Spouse Friendly Schools list. Southwest Minnesota State earned its national ranking for leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs for military spouses.

“The number. 3 national ranking is gratifying for SMSU as it shows our commitment to the military and their spouses. Being ranked so high is a testament to the university’s commitment to veterans and current students in the military and their families,” said Justin Guggisberg, veterans resource officer.

Earlier in the year, SMSU was ranked No. 3 rationally as a Military Friendly School.

The Military Friendly Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly Schools survey from participating institutions.