FSW vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, FL with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida SouthWestern State College is larger than Metropolitan State University based on total student enrollment (14,301 students vs. 6,660 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida SouthWestern State College is located in Fort Myers, FL (Large Suburban setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Florida SouthWestern State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida SouthWestern State College 27:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

FSW vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FSW 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 Florida SouthWestern State College than Metropolitan State University ($8,356 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida SouthWestern State College are 29.5% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,185 vs. $15,864).
• Metropolitan State University is 189.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than FSW (about $6,439 more per year; $9,840.00 vs. $3,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at FSW than at Metropolitan State University (about $3,139 more per year; $12,979.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Metropolitan State University than at Florida SouthWestern State College (82% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Metropolitan State University students is 43.8% larger than aid received by Florida SouthWestern State College students ($8,538 vs. $5,938).

FSW vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FSW 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 FSW.

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

FSW vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FSW 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).

• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than FSW graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida SouthWestern State College graduates have a $8,992 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University graduates ($9,000 vs. $17,992).
• Among borrowers, FSW graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University graduates ($93 vs. $186).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FSW students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 43%)

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.