MSU Moorhead vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, 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 MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead 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 MSU Moorhead ($14,735 vs. $18,221).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 3.6% lower than at Minnesota State University Moorhead ($10,596 vs. $10,994).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $183 more per year; $10,428.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at MSU Moorhead than at Saint Cloud State University (about $183 more per year; $10,428.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minnesota State University Moorhead than at Saint Cloud State University (91% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Cloud State University students is 9.2% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($7,036 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead 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 MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 50 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming MSU Moorhead students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at St. Cloud State University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU Moorhead students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

MSU Moorhead vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $224 lower median loan debt than St. Cloud State University graduates ($22,276 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Cloud State University graduates ($230 vs. $232).
• More St. Cloud State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.