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College of Saint Benedict vs Saint Cloud State University

College of Saint Benedict is a private college in Saint Joseph, MN, and Saint Cloud State University is a public university in Saint Cloud, MN. College of Saint Benedict is the more selective of the two, admitting about 92% of applicants against 95% at Saint Cloud State University. Saint Cloud State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,529 a year against $26,640 at College of Saint Benedict. About 80% of students graduate at College of Saint Benedict, compared with 44% at Saint Cloud State University. Ten years after enrolling, College of Saint Benedict alumni earn a median of about $63,260, against $55,813 for Saint Cloud State University.

College of Saint Benedict

Saint Joseph, MN · Private

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Saint Joseph, MN
Saint Cloud, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,370
5,088
Acceptance rate
92%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.25–3.75
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1048–1233
1025–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,640
$13,529
Full cost / yr
$68,453
$21,116
In-state tuition
$55,756
$10,245
Out-of-state tuition
$55,756
$10,245
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,981
$8,909
$30k - $48k
$14,791
$9,871
$48k - $75k
$20,378
$12,034
$75k - $110k
$24,039
$14,781
Over $110k
$33,660
$18,989
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
44%
Freshman retention
86%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,567
$47,215
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,260
$55,813
Median debt at graduation
$26,944
$21,058
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
22%
First-generation students
21%
27%
International students
4%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is College of Saint Benedict or Saint Cloud State University harder to get into?
College of Saint Benedict is harder to get into. It admits about 92% of applicants, compared with 95% at Saint Cloud State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, College of Saint Benedict or Saint Cloud State University?
Saint Cloud State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,529 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,640 at College of Saint Benedict. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at College of Saint Benedict and Saint Cloud State University?
Before aid, Saint Cloud State University costs about $21,116 a year and College of Saint Benedict about $68,453. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, College of Saint Benedict or Saint Cloud State University?
Saint Cloud State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,909 there, against about $12,981 at College of Saint Benedict. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, College of Saint Benedict or Saint Cloud State University?
Saint Cloud State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,088 undergraduates against 1,370 at College of Saint Benedict.
Does College of Saint Benedict or Saint Cloud State University have a better graduation rate?
College of Saint Benedict has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 44% at Saint Cloud State University.
Do graduates of College of Saint Benedict or Saint Cloud State University earn more?
College of Saint Benedict alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,260 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,813 for Saint Cloud State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of Saint Benedict and Saint Cloud State University require SAT or ACT scores?
College of Saint Benedict is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Cloud State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do College of Saint Benedict and Saint Cloud State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1048–1233 at College of Saint Benedict and 1025–1260 at Saint Cloud State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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