Saint Benedict vs. University of St Thomas

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN with University of St Thomas in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of St Thomas is larger than Saint Benedict based on total student enrollment (9,410 students vs. 1,429 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Saint Benedict is located in Saint Joseph, MN (Small Suburban setting); University of St Thomas is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• College of Saint Benedict is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of St Thomas is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Saint Benedict 11:1; University of St Thomas 14:1.

Saint Benedict vs. University of St Thomas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Benedict or University of St Thomas? 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 College of Saint Benedict than University of St Thomas ($28,400 vs. $31,250).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Saint Benedict are 16.2% lower than at University of St Thomas ($12,550 vs. $14,969).
• College of Saint Benedict is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of St Thomas (about $1,358 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $54,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Saint Benedict than at University of St Thomas (about $1,358 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $54,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Saint Benedict than at University of St Thomas (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Saint Benedict students is 12.5% larger than aid received by University of St Thomas students ($40,048 vs. $35,587).

Saint Benedict vs. University of St Thomas Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Benedict or University of St Thomas? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of St Thomas and Saint Benedict.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of St Thomas (1340) is 200 points higher than at Saint Benedict (1140).
• Incoming University of St Thomas students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Saint Benedict).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: College of Saint Benedict 1048/1233; University of St Thomas 1260/1423.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: College of Saint Benedict 20/27; University of St Thomas 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Benedict - Test optional; University of St Thomas - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Saint Benedict students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at University of St Thomas (3.63).
• Saint Benedict has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than University of St Thomas (85.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Saint Benedict vs. 20.8% at University of St Thomas.

Saint Benedict vs. University of St Thomas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Benedict and University of St Thomas? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• College of Saint Benedict's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than University of St Thomas's (74%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Saint Benedict graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of St Thomas graduates have a $343 lower median loan debt than Saint Benedict graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,343).
• Among borrowers, University of St Thomas graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Benedict graduates ($268 vs. $272).
• More Saint Benedict graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of St Thomas students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 80%)

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.