Loras College vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Loras College in Dubuque, IA 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 Loras College based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 1,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Loras College vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loras 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 Loras College ($16,615 vs. $21,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Loras College are 30.7% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,000 vs. $15,864).
• Loras College is 304.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $29,984 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 304.7% higher at Loras College than at Metropolitan State University (about $29,984 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loras College than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loras College students is 237.7% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($28,835 vs. $8,538).

Loras College vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loras 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 Loras College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loras College - Test-free; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Loras College has a higher acceptance rate (99.9%) than Metropolitan State University (98.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Loras College vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Loras College vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loras 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).

• Loras College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates of Loras College and Metropolitan State University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $49,200), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $9,008 lower median loan debt than Loras 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 Loras College graduates ($186 vs. $279).
• More Loras College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.