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Metropolitan State University vs Saint Cloud State University

Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, MN. Saint Cloud State University is a public university in Saint Cloud, MN. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants and Metropolitan State University about 99%, making Saint Cloud State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,529 a year at Saint Cloud State University after aid, and about $16,863 at Metropolitan State University. About 44% of students graduate at Saint Cloud State University, compared with 42% at Metropolitan State University. Ten years after enrolling, Metropolitan State University alumni earn a median of about $64,705, against $55,813 for Saint Cloud State University.

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Cloud, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,616
5,088
Acceptance rate
99%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1130
1025–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,863
$13,529
Full cost / yr
$25,172
$21,116
In-state tuition
$9,840
$10,245
Out-of-state tuition
$9,840
$10,245
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,238
$8,909
$30k - $48k
$16,656
$9,871
$48k - $75k
$16,659
$12,034
$75k - $110k
$18,994
$14,781
Over $110k
$21,905
$18,989
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
44%
Freshman retention
68%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,828
$47,215
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,705
$55,813
Median debt at graduation
$17,100
$21,058
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
22%
First-generation students
37%
27%
International students
2%
14%
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 Saint Cloud State University harder to get into?
Saint Cloud State University is harder to get into. It admits about 95% of applicants, compared with 99% at Metropolitan 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, Metropolitan State University 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 $16,863 at Metropolitan State 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 Saint Cloud State University?
Before aid, Saint Cloud State University costs about $21,116 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 Saint Cloud State University?
Saint Cloud State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,909 there, against about $15,238 at Metropolitan State 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 Saint Cloud State University?
Metropolitan State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,616 undergraduates against 5,088 at Saint Cloud State University.
Does Metropolitan State University or Saint Cloud State University have a better graduation rate?
Saint Cloud State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 44% against 42% at Metropolitan State University.
Do graduates of Metropolitan State University or Saint Cloud State University earn more?
Metropolitan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,705 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,813 for Saint Cloud State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Metropolitan State University and Saint Cloud State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Metropolitan State University 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 Metropolitan State University and Saint Cloud State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1130 at Metropolitan State University and 1025–1260 at Saint Cloud State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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