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Metropolitan State University vs University of St Thomas

Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, MN, and University of St Thomas is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. University of St Thomas is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% of applicants against 99% at Metropolitan State University. Metropolitan State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,863 a year against $29,155 at University of St Thomas. About 76% of students graduate at University of St Thomas, compared with 42% at Metropolitan State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of St Thomas alumni earn a median of about $73,739, against $64,705 for Metropolitan State University.

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public

University of St Thomas

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,616
6,245
Acceptance rate
99%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1130
1260–1423
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,863
$29,155
Full cost / yr
$25,172
$66,116
In-state tuition
$9,840
$54,398
Out-of-state tuition
$9,840
$54,398
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,238
$28,131
$30k - $48k
$16,656
$26,820
$48k - $75k
$16,659
$24,357
$75k - $110k
$18,994
$25,363
Over $110k
$21,905
$33,232
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
76%
Freshman retention
68%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,828
$62,412
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,705
$73,739
Median debt at graduation
$17,100
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
22%
First-generation students
37%
14%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

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 St Thomas harder to get into?
University of St Thomas is harder to get into. It admits about 85% 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 St Thomas?
Metropolitan State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,863 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,155 at University of St Thomas. 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 St Thomas?
Before aid, Metropolitan State University costs about $25,172 a year and University of St Thomas about $66,116. 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 St Thomas?
Metropolitan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,238 there, against about $28,131 at University of St Thomas. 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 St Thomas?
University of St Thomas is the larger of the two, with about 6,245 undergraduates against 5,616 at Metropolitan State University.
Does Metropolitan State University or University of St Thomas have a better graduation rate?
University of St Thomas has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 42% at Metropolitan State University.
Do graduates of Metropolitan State University or University of St Thomas earn more?
University of St Thomas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,739 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,705 for Metropolitan State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Metropolitan State University and University of St Thomas require SAT or ACT scores?
Metropolitan State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of St Thomas is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Metropolitan State University and University of St Thomas look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1130 at Metropolitan State University and 1260–1423 at University of St Thomas. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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