Metropolitan State University vs. Valley City State University

Comparable Facts

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

Metropolitan State University is larger than Valley City State University based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 1,806 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Valley City State University is in Valley City, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valley City State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University 15:1; Valley City State University 12:1.

Metropolitan State University vs. Valley City State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University or Valley City 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 Valley City State University than Metropolitan State University ($12,442 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valley City State University are 45.9% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($8,580 vs. $15,864).
• Metropolitan State University is 14.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Valley City State University (about $1,260 more per year; $9,840.00 vs. $8,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.6% higher at Valley City State University than at Metropolitan State University (about $3,704 more per year; $13,544.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valley City State University than at Metropolitan State University (99% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Metropolitan State University students is 14.3% larger than aid received by Valley City State University students ($8,538 vs. $7,467).

Metropolitan State University vs. Valley City State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsValley City State University 830/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsValley City State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University - Test optional; Valley City State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Valley City State University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Metropolitan State University (98.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.8% at Metropolitan State University vs. 53.9% at Valley City State University.

Metropolitan State University vs. Valley City State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University and Valley City 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).

• Valley City State 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 $7,000 more per year than Valley City State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $3,338 lower median loan debt than Valley City State University graduates ($17,992 vs. $21,330).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valley City State University graduates ($186 vs. $220).
• More Valley City State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.