Allen College vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Allen College vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Metropolitan State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 44.5% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($8,800 vs. $15,864).
• Allen College is 98.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $9,676 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.3% higher at Allen College than at Metropolitan State University (about $9,676 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Metropolitan State University than at Allen College (82% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Metropolitan State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Metropolitan State University and Allen College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.

Allen College vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Metropolitan State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Allen College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Allen College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $49,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $1,242 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University graduates ($16,750 vs. $17,992).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University graduates ($173 vs. $186).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.