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Metropolitan State University vs University of Northwestern-St Paul

Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, MN. University of Northwestern-St Paul is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. University of Northwestern-St Paul admits about 93% of applicants and Metropolitan State University about 99%, making University of Northwestern-St Paul 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 $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. About 68% of students graduate at University of Northwestern-St Paul, compared with 42% at Metropolitan State University. Ten years after enrolling, Metropolitan State University alumni earn a median of about $64,705, against $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul.

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,616
1,442
Acceptance rate
99%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1130
868–1271
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
20–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,863
$27,705
Full cost / yr
$25,172
$51,325
In-state tuition
$9,840
$37,920
Out-of-state tuition
$9,840
$37,920
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,238
$26,696
$30k - $48k
$16,656
$23,884
$48k - $75k
$16,659
$21,689
$75k - $110k
$18,994
$25,267
Over $110k
$21,905
$31,348
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
68%
Freshman retention
68%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,828
$47,544
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,705
$50,755
Median debt at graduation
$17,100
$21,325
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
16%
First-generation students
37%
16%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1

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 University of Northwestern-St Paul harder to get into?
University of Northwestern-St Paul is harder to get into. It admits about 93% 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Metropolitan State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,863 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Before aid, Metropolitan State University costs about $25,172 a year and University of Northwestern-St Paul about $51,325. 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Metropolitan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,238 there, against about $26,696 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Metropolitan State University or University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Metropolitan State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,616 undergraduates against 1,442 at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Does Metropolitan State University or University of Northwestern-St Paul have a better graduation rate?
University of Northwestern-St Paul has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 42% at Metropolitan State University.
Do graduates of Metropolitan State University or University of Northwestern-St Paul earn more?
Metropolitan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,705 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Metropolitan State University and University of Northwestern-St Paul require SAT or ACT scores?
Metropolitan State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Northwestern-St Paul is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Metropolitan State University and University of Northwestern-St Paul look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1130 at Metropolitan State University and 868–1271 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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