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Walden University vs Saint Cloud State University

Walden University is a private for-profit university in Minneapolis, MN, and Saint Cloud State University is a public university in Saint Cloud, MN. Saint Cloud State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 95% of applicants against 100% at Walden University. Saint Cloud State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,529 a year against $33,817 at Walden University. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Cloud State University alumni earn a median of about $55,813, against $42,810 for Walden University.

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN · Private (for-profit)

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Saint Cloud, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
9,136
5,088
Acceptance rate
100%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1025–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,817
$13,529
Full cost / yr
$35,358
$21,116
In-state tuition
$12,762
$10,245
Out-of-state tuition
$12,762
$10,245
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$32,652
$8,909
$30k - $48k
$34,983
$9,871
$48k - $75k
Not reported
$12,034
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$14,781
Over $110k
Not reported
$18,989
Outcomes
Graduation rate
Not reported
44%
Freshman retention
0%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,657
$47,215
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,810
$55,813
Median debt at graduation
$20,834
$21,058
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
22%
First-generation students
51%
27%
International students
0%
14%
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 Saint Cloud State University harder to get into?
Saint Cloud State University is harder to get into. It admits about 95% 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 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 $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 Saint Cloud State University?
Before aid, Saint Cloud State University costs about $21,116 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 Saint Cloud State University?
Saint Cloud State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,909 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 Saint Cloud State University?
Walden University is the larger of the two, with about 9,136 undergraduates against 5,088 at Saint Cloud State University.
Do graduates of Walden University 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 $42,810 for Walden University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Walden University and Saint Cloud State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Walden University 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.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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