ISU vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 10,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

ISU vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or St. Cloud 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 Saint Cloud State University than ISU ($14,735 vs. $17,779).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 2% lower than at Iowa State University ($10,596 vs. $10,808).
• Iowa State University is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $542 more per year; $10,787.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.9% higher at ISU than at Saint Cloud State University (about $18,636 more per year; $28,881.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Cloud State University than at Iowa State University (84% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Iowa State University students is 53.4% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($10,791 vs. $7,036).

ISU vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud State University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 100 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than ISU (88.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

ISU vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and St. Cloud 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).

• Iowa State University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $1,368 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,868).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($232 vs. $246).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 67%)

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.