MLC vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than MLC based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Martin Luther College is located in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Martin Luther College 10:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

MLC vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MLC 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 MLC ($14,735 vs. $18,974).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 25.4% lower than at Saint Cloud State University ($7,900 vs. $10,596).
• Martin Luther College is 76.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $7,875 more per year; $18,120.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.9% higher at MLC than at Saint Cloud State University (about $7,875 more per year; $18,120.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Martin Luther College than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Martin Luther College students is 46% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($10,276 vs. $7,036).

MLC vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MLC 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 MLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Martin Luther College (1170) is 30 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming MLC 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: Martin Luther College 1078/1256; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 22/27; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MLC - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MLC students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than MLC (87.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at MLC vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

MLC vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MLC 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).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than MLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $625 lower median loan debt than MLC graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,125).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MLC graduates ($232 vs. $239).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.