ISU vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Idaho State University is larger than Metropolitan State University based on total student enrollment (13,061 students vs. 6,660 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Idaho State University is located in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Idaho State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Idaho State University 14:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

ISU vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Idaho State University than Metropolitan State University ($12,174 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 50.3% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($7,882 vs. $15,864).
• Metropolitan State University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $1,230 more per year; $9,840.00 vs. $8,610.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.7% higher at ISU than at Metropolitan State University (about $17,880 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Idaho State University than at Metropolitan State University (91% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Idaho State University students is 8% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($9,217 vs. $8,538).

ISU vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

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

ISU vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Metropolitan State University's six-year graduation rate (29%) is higher than Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $4,958 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($17,992 vs. $22,950).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($186 vs. $237).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 47%)

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.