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Walden University vs Metropolitan State University

Walden University is a private for-profit university in Minneapolis, MN. Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, MN. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants and Walden University about 100%, making Metropolitan State University 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 $33,817 at Walden University. Ten years after enrolling, Metropolitan State University alumni earn a median of about $64,705, against $42,810 for Walden University.

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN · Private (for-profit)

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
9,136
5,616
Acceptance rate
100%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
910–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,817
$16,863
Full cost / yr
$35,358
$25,172
In-state tuition
$12,762
$9,840
Out-of-state tuition
$12,762
$9,840
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$32,652
$15,238
$30k - $48k
$34,983
$16,656
$48k - $75k
Not reported
$16,659
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$18,994
Over $110k
Not reported
$21,905
Outcomes
Graduation rate
Not reported
42%
Freshman retention
0%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,657
$54,828
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,810
$64,705
Median debt at graduation
$20,834
$17,100
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
48%
First-generation students
51%
37%
International students
0%
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 Walden University or Metropolitan State University harder to get into?
Metropolitan State University is harder to get into. It admits about 99% of applicants, compared with 100% at Walden 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, Walden University or Metropolitan State University?
Metropolitan State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,863 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,817 at Walden 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 Walden University and Metropolitan State University?
Before aid, Metropolitan State University costs about $25,172 a year and Walden University about $35,358. 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, Walden University or Metropolitan State University?
Metropolitan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,238 there, against about $32,652 at Walden University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Walden University or Metropolitan State University?
Walden University is the larger of the two, with about 9,136 undergraduates against 5,616 at Metropolitan State University.
Do graduates of Walden University 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 $42,810 for Walden University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Walden University and Metropolitan State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Walden University 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.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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