Briar Cliff University vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, 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 Briar Cliff University based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 947 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Briar Cliff University is located in Sioux City, IA (Small City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Briar Cliff University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Briar Cliff University 10:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Briar Cliff University vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Metropolitan State University than Briar Cliff University ($16,615 vs. $23,263).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Briar Cliff University are 27.4% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,518 vs. $15,864).
• Briar Cliff University is 275.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $27,116 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 275.6% higher at Briar Cliff University than at Metropolitan State University (about $27,116 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Briar Cliff University than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Briar Cliff University students is 232.9% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($28,425 vs. $8,538).

Briar Cliff University vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Briar Cliff University 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 Briar Cliff University.

• Briar Cliff University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Briar Cliff University - Open admission; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.

Briar Cliff University vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Briar Cliff University 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).

• Briar Cliff University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Briar Cliff University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $6,508 lower median loan debt than Briar Cliff University graduates ($17,992 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Briar Cliff University graduates ($186 vs. $253).
• More Briar Cliff University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.