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University of Northwestern-St Paul vs Saint Cloud State University

University of Northwestern-St Paul is a private university in Saint Paul, MN, and Saint Cloud State University is a public university in Saint Cloud, MN. University of Northwestern-St Paul is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 95% at Saint Cloud State University. Saint Cloud State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,529 a year against $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. About 68% of students graduate at University of Northwestern-St Paul, compared with 44% at Saint Cloud State University. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Cloud State University alumni earn a median of about $55,813, against $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul.

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN · Private

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Cloud, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,442
5,088
Acceptance rate
93%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.15–3.65
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
868–1271
1025–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,705
$13,529
Full cost / yr
$51,325
$21,116
In-state tuition
$37,920
$10,245
Out-of-state tuition
$37,920
$10,245
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,696
$8,909
$30k - $48k
$23,884
$9,871
$48k - $75k
$21,689
$12,034
$75k - $110k
$25,267
$14,781
Over $110k
$31,348
$18,989
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
44%
Freshman retention
83%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,544
$47,215
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,755
$55,813
Median debt at graduation
$21,325
$21,058
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
22%
First-generation students
16%
27%
International students
1%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
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 University of Northwestern-St Paul or Saint Cloud State University harder to get into?
University of Northwestern-St Paul is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 95% at Saint Cloud 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, University of Northwestern-St Paul 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 $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 University of Northwestern-St Paul and Saint Cloud State University?
Before aid, Saint Cloud State University costs about $21,116 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, University of Northwestern-St Paul or Saint Cloud State University?
Saint Cloud State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,909 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, University of Northwestern-St Paul or Saint Cloud State University?
Saint Cloud State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,088 undergraduates against 1,442 at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Does University of Northwestern-St Paul or Saint Cloud State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Northwestern-St Paul has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 44% at Saint Cloud State University.
Do graduates of University of Northwestern-St Paul or Saint Cloud State University earn more?
Saint Cloud State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,813 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Northwestern-St Paul and Saint Cloud State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Northwestern-St Paul 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul and Saint Cloud State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 868–1271 at University of Northwestern-St Paul and 1025–1260 at Saint Cloud State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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