The Mustang Promise at SMSU

Southwest Minnesota State University is 100% confident your SMSU education will yield results. In fact, it's a promise.

We promise you will find a job after college.

SMSU sets itself apart from other colleges with the Mustang Promise. The university is so confident in the relevance, quality, and value of its students' education that it guarantees they will find a job within six months of graduation.

Its successful alumni prove it. 99% of graduates reporting from the Class of 2017 indicated that they were employed in their first job or enrolled in a graduate school program. 99% were employed, and 97% had jobs in their field of study.

A promise that supports your job search

In this unique program, you'll work with your faculty advisor and the SMSU Career Services staff throughout your college career to take steps that have been proven to lead to success in the job search. If you do your part and still don't land a job within six months of graduation, SMSU will give you free tuition for your first semester in one of its master's degree programs.

Mustang Promise requirements

• Review and accept the Mustang Promise student pledge (PDF)
• Register with SMSU Career Services
• Participate in professional and career development
• Create, then update your resume at least once a year
• Graduate from Southwest Minnesota State University with a bachelor's degree and be eligible for admission to one of its graduate programs
• Be in good financial standing with SMSU upon graduation
• Meet with Career Services within 30 days of graduation, and monthly until employed

What happens if you're unemployed after graduation?

SMSU Career Services staff are ready to assist you at 507-537-6221 or [email protected].

If the student is unemployed at six months after graduation, SMSU will pay for the first semester, or three courses, of tuition in any graduate program at SMSU.

The Mustang Promise: within six months of graduation, you'll be employed or enrolled in grad school. If not, come back to SMSU to enroll in one of its graduate programs with your first semester of tuition covered. That's SMSU's promise.

Want to learn more about SMSU? Explore academic programs, or reach out to request info directly.

Disclaimers: "Job Placement" does not mean SMSU will find a job for you. It means that SMSU will provide professional and career development services, programming, coaching, and resources. Take advantage of the services and support available at SMSU and you will find a job. Student must begin job search at least six months prior to graduation. Graduates have 12 months from the date their degree is conferred to take advantage of the free semester of graduate tuition.