Metropolitan State University vs. Lakeland University

Comparable Facts

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

Metropolitan State University is larger than Lakeland University based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 2,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Lakeland University is in Plymouth, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lakeland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University 15:1; Lakeland University 12:1.

Metropolitan State University vs. Lakeland University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University or Lakeland 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 Lakeland University ($16,615 vs. $24,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lakeland University are 23.5% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($12,140 vs. $15,864).
• Lakeland University is 239.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $23,556 more per year; $33,396.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 239.4% higher at Lakeland University than at Metropolitan State University (about $23,556 more per year; $33,396.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lakeland University than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lakeland University students is 187.6% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($24,559 vs. $8,538).

Metropolitan State University vs. Lakeland University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Metropolitan State University or Lakeland 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 Lakeland University and Metropolitan State University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University - Test optional; Lakeland University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Lakeland University (86.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.8% at Metropolitan State University vs. 16.1% at Lakeland University.

Metropolitan State University vs. Lakeland University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University and Lakeland 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).

• Lakeland University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Lakeland University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $7,466 lower median loan debt than Lakeland University graduates ($17,992 vs. $25,458).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lakeland University graduates ($186 vs. $263).
• More Lakeland University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.