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Saint Cloud State University vs Capella University

Saint Cloud State University is a public university in Saint Cloud, MN, and Capella University is a private for-profit university in Minneapolis, MN. Saint Cloud State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 95% of applicants against 100% at Capella University. Saint Cloud State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,529 a year against $17,956 at Capella University. About 44% of students graduate at Saint Cloud State University, compared with 27% at Capella University. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Cloud State University alumni earn a median of about $55,813, against $42,189 for Capella University.

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Saint Cloud, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,088
18,364
Acceptance rate
95%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1025–1260
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,529
$17,956
Full cost / yr
$21,116
$22,820
In-state tuition
$10,245
$14,400
Out-of-state tuition
$10,245
$14,400
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,909
$17,485
$30k - $48k
$9,871
$17,324
$48k - $75k
$12,034
$17,490
$75k - $110k
$14,781
$21,292
Over $110k
$18,989
$22,820
Outcomes
Graduation rate
44%
27%
Freshman retention
71%
42%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,215
$48,500
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,813
$42,189
Median debt at graduation
$21,058
$14,968
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
39%
First-generation students
27%
50%
International students
14%
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 Saint Cloud State University or Capella University harder to get into?
Saint Cloud State University is harder to get into. It admits about 95% 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, Saint Cloud State University or Capella University?
Saint Cloud State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,529 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 Saint Cloud State University and Capella University?
Before aid, Saint Cloud State University costs about $21,116 a year and Capella University about $22,820. 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, Saint Cloud State University or Capella University?
Saint Cloud State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,909 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, Saint Cloud State University or Capella University?
Capella University is the larger of the two, with about 18,364 undergraduates against 5,088 at Saint Cloud State University.
Does Saint Cloud State University or Capella University have a better graduation rate?
Saint Cloud State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 44% against 27% at Capella University.
Do graduates of Saint Cloud State University or Capella University earn more?
Saint Cloud State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,813 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,189 for Capella University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

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