Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN 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 Gustavus Adolphus College based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 1,906 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gustavus Adolphus College is located in Saint Peter, MN (Remote Town setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Gustavus Adolphus College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gustavus Adolphus College 12:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gustavus Adolphus College 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 Gustavus Adolphus College ($16,615 vs. $26,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gustavus Adolphus College are 25.6% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,804 vs. $15,864).
• Gustavus Adolphus College is 469.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $46,236 more per year; $56,076.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 469.9% higher at Gustavus Adolphus College than at Metropolitan State University (about $46,236 more per year; $56,076.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gustavus Adolphus College than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gustavus Adolphus College students is 385.5% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($41,450 vs. $8,538).

Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gustavus Adolphus 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 Gustavus Adolphus College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gustavus Adolphus College - Test optional; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gustavus Adolphus College Apr 1, 2027; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Gustavus Adolphus College (61%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.2% at Gustavus Adolphus College vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gustavus Adolphus 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).

• Gustavus Adolphus College's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Gustavus Adolphus College earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Metropolitan State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $9,008 lower median loan debt than Gustavus Adolphus College graduates ($17,992 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gustavus Adolphus College graduates ($186 vs. $279).
• More Gustavus Adolphus College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.