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Metropolitan State University vs Capella University

Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, MN. Capella University is a private for-profit university in Minneapolis, MN. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants and Capella University about 100%, making Metropolitan State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,863 a year at Metropolitan State University after aid, and about $17,956 at Capella University. About 42% of students graduate at Metropolitan State University, compared with 27% at Capella University. Ten years after enrolling, Metropolitan State University alumni earn a median of about $64,705, against $42,189 for Capella University.

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,616
18,364
Acceptance rate
99%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1130
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,863
$17,956
Full cost / yr
$25,172
$22,820
In-state tuition
$9,840
$14,400
Out-of-state tuition
$9,840
$14,400
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,238
$17,485
$30k - $48k
$16,656
$17,324
$48k - $75k
$16,659
$17,490
$75k - $110k
$18,994
$21,292
Over $110k
$21,905
$22,820
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
27%
Freshman retention
68%
42%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,828
$48,500
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,705
$42,189
Median debt at graduation
$17,100
$14,968
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
39%
First-generation students
37%
50%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Metropolitan State University or Capella University harder to get into?
Metropolitan State University is harder to get into. It admits about 99% of applicants, compared with 100% at Capella 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, Metropolitan State University or Capella University?
Metropolitan State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,863 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,956 at Capella University. 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 Metropolitan State University and Capella University?
Before aid, Capella University costs about $22,820 a year and Metropolitan State University about $25,172. 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, Metropolitan State University or Capella University?
Metropolitan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,238 there, against about $17,485 at Capella University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Metropolitan State University or Capella University?
Capella University is the larger of the two, with about 18,364 undergraduates against 5,616 at Metropolitan State University.
Does Metropolitan State University or Capella University have a better graduation rate?
Metropolitan State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 42% against 27% at Capella University.
Do graduates of Metropolitan State University or Capella University earn more?
Metropolitan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,705 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,189 for Capella University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school