MSU Moorhead vs. University of Northwestern-St Paul

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN with University of Northwestern St Paul in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Minnesota State University Moorhead is larger than University of Northwestern-St Paul based on total student enrollment (4,386 students vs. 3,234 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); University of Northwestern St Paul is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northwestern St Paul is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; University of Northwestern St Paul 16:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of Northwestern-St Paul Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead or University of Northwestern-St Paul? 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead than University of Northwestern-St Paul ($18,221 vs. $29,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minnesota State University Moorhead are 4.7% lower than at University of Northwestern St Paul ($10,994 vs. $11,534).
• University of Northwestern St Paul is 263.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Moorhead (about $27,492 more per year; $37,920.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 263.6% higher at University of Northwestern-St Paul than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $27,492 more per year; $37,920.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Northwestern St Paul than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Northwestern St Paul students is 243.3% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($22,132 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. University of Northwestern-St Paul Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead or University of Northwestern-St Paul? 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul and MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 120 points higher than at University of Northwestern-St Paul (1070).
• Incoming University of Northwestern-St Paul students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at MSU Moorhead).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; University of Northwestern St Paul 868/1271.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; University of Northwestern St Paul 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; University of Northwestern-St Paul - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Northwestern-St Paul Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Northwestern-St Paul students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at MSU Moorhead (3.52).
• University of Northwestern-St Paul has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 30.9% at University of Northwestern-St Paul.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of Northwestern-St Paul Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead and University of Northwestern-St Paul? 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).

• University of Northwestern St Paul's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from Minnesota State University Moorhead earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,400 vs. $41,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northwestern St Paul graduates have a $206 lower median loan debt than MSU Moorhead graduates ($22,070 vs. $22,276).
• Among borrowers, University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU Moorhead graduates ($228 vs. $230).
• More University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 65%)

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.