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Minnesota State University-Mankato vs Metropolitan State University

Minnesota State University-Mankato is a public university in Mankato, MN, and Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, MN. Minnesota State University-Mankato is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% 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 $19,139 at Minnesota State University-Mankato. About 54% of students graduate at Minnesota State University-Mankato, compared with 42% at Metropolitan State University. Ten years after enrolling, Metropolitan State University alumni earn a median of about $64,705, against $56,922 for Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN · Public

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mankato, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,703
5,616
Acceptance rate
88%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1180
910–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
21–25
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,139
$16,863
Full cost / yr
$23,995
$25,172
In-state tuition
$9,572
$9,840
Out-of-state tuition
$18,942
$9,840
Application fee
$20
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,339
$15,238
$30k - $48k
$12,750
$16,656
$48k - $75k
$15,137
$16,659
$75k - $110k
$18,921
$18,994
Over $110k
$22,798
$21,905
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
42%
Freshman retention
80%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,098
$54,828
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,922
$64,705
Median debt at graduation
$21,106
$17,100
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
48%
First-generation students
24%
37%
International students
9%
2%
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 Minnesota State University-Mankato or Metropolitan State University harder to get into?
Minnesota State University-Mankato is harder to get into. It admits about 88% 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, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Metropolitan State University?
Metropolitan State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,863 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,139 at Minnesota State University-Mankato. 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 Minnesota State University-Mankato and Metropolitan State University?
Before aid, Minnesota State University-Mankato costs about $23,995 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, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Metropolitan State University?
Minnesota State University-Mankato. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,339 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, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Metropolitan State University?
Minnesota State University-Mankato is the larger of the two, with about 11,703 undergraduates against 5,616 at Metropolitan State University.
Does Minnesota State University-Mankato or Metropolitan State University have a better graduation rate?
Minnesota State University-Mankato has the higher graduation rate, at about 54% against 42% at Metropolitan State University.
Do graduates of Minnesota State University-Mankato or Metropolitan State University earn more?
Metropolitan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,705 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,922 for Minnesota State University-Mankato. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Minnesota State University-Mankato and Metropolitan State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Minnesota State University-Mankato is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Metropolitan State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Minnesota State University-Mankato and Metropolitan State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1180 at Minnesota State University-Mankato and 910–1130 at Metropolitan State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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