Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota 56601
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Bemidji State University is a public institution in Bemidji with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1090, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 3.1K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
53% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,755 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,050.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Deputy Hall in 1919, Bemidji State University BSU was founded in 1919 and opened under the name "Bemidji State Normal School".
- •The first president, Manfred Deputy, was appointed to run the new institution, and the first class consisted of 38 students.
- •The name was changed to "Bemidji State Teachers College" in 1921, then shortened to "Bemidji State College" in 1957.
- •In 1975, it took its current name, Bemidji State University.
- •Presidents Faith Hensrud was named Bemidji State University's eleventh president on April 20, 2016, and took office on July 1, 2016.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
55.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,809
Programs (65)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
20
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MN state average