Undergraduate Tuition Costs

Good to Know:

• Most full-time students take 30 credits a year.

• SMSU has reciprocity agreements with nearby states, so many out-of-state students pay the same rate as Minnesota residents. Check the website to see if your state qualifies! 

• SMSU doesn’t charge extra for out-of-state tuition in most cases.

• There’s a one-time $20 application fee when you apply.

• Learn more about tuition and fees here. 

To help you stay on track, SMSU offers clear and easy-to-follow advising guides for each education program.

These guides include course requirements, licensure steps and suggested timelines to help you plan your path from student to licensed teacher.

At SMSU, you’ll get plenty of real classroom experience because it’s a key part of becoming a great teacher and staying in the profession. Hands-on time in kindergarten–grade 12 schools is built into many of your courses—starting right from your first year.

Freshman & Sophomore Years:
From the start, you’ll spend time in real classrooms watching experienced teachers and seeing how what you learn in class connects to real teaching. You’ll also get to plan and teach lessons with the help of a cooperating teacher. This early practice helps you build confidence and start developing your teaching skills.

Junior & Senior Years:
As you move into upper-level courses, your classroom time gets more involved. You’ll take methods classes that go hand-in-hand with fieldwork, so what you’re learning matches what you’re doing in local schools. Over four semesters, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility, from leading small groups to teaching whole-class lessons. Throughout this journey, you’ll have continuous, structured support from your mentor teacher and your SMSU faculty advisor.

SMSU believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. You’ll learn how to work effectively with students from many different backgrounds including different races, cultures, languages and life experiences. Equity and inclusion are important parts of your education.

• You’ll take key courses like Human Relations and Diversity in Education, Foundations of Teaching Multilingual Learners, and Introduction to Special Needs to build a strong foundation for teaching diverse learners.
• If you want to specialize, you can choose a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language or Special Education to gain deeper skills in these high-need areas.
• Throughout your program, you’ll hear from guest speakers and experts on important topics like culturally responsive teaching, mental health in schools, and how to support students who’ve experienced trauma. This will help you gain knowledge and sensitivity to support all learners.

You’ll receive ongoing support from the very beginning of your teaching program to the end of your student teaching experience. You’ll work alongside experienced teachers and faculty who guide you as you observe classrooms, plan lessons, and practice teaching. This early mentorship helps you connect what you learn in your courses to real-life teaching and build important skills in a supportive setting.

When you reach student teaching, you’ll have both a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor supporting you. Your cooperating teacher will give daily help and feedback, while your supervisor will visit for formal observations and offer advice to help you grow. This teamwork makes sure you’re ready to be a confident, skilled teacher for all kinds of students.

To provide students with top-quality preparation, SMSU works closely with many school districts. These partnerships give you real-world experience and targeted support to develop as an educator.

A key partnership with Marshall Public Schools helps SMSU stay connected to the needs of Minnesota’s kindergarten-grade 12 schools, enhancing the program’s relevance. SMSU also partners with nearly 300 districts and over 2,100 schools, demonstrating its strong commitment to community-engaged teacher training.

Together, these partnerships support SMSU’s mission to prepare skilled, culturally responsive and compassionate educators who are ready to meet the diverse needs of today’s classrooms.