Metropolitan State University vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, 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 Metropolitan State University based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 6,660 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Metropolitan 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: Metropolitan State University 15:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

Metropolitan State University vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University 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 Metropolitan State University ($14,735 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 33.2% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($10,596 vs. $15,864).
• Saint Cloud State University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $405 more per year; $10,245.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at St. Cloud State University than at Metropolitan State University (about $405 more per year; $10,245.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Cloud State University than at Metropolitan State University (84% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Metropolitan State University students is 21.3% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($8,538 vs. $7,036).

Metropolitan State University vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSaint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSaint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than St. Cloud State University (94.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.8% at Metropolitan State University vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

Metropolitan State University vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University 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).

• Saint Cloud State University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $4,508 lower median loan debt than St. Cloud State University graduates ($17,992 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Cloud State University graduates ($186 vs. $232).
• More St. Cloud State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.