MSU Moorhead vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead or South Dakota 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead than South Dakota State University ($18,221 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 7.4% lower than at Minnesota State University Moorhead ($10,176 vs. $10,994).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $1,129 more per year; $10,428.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at South Dakota State University than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $2,381 more per year; $12,809.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students is 44.1% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($6,446 vs. $4,474).

MSU Moorhead vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University and MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 40 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming South Dakota State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at MSU Moorhead).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at MSU Moorhead (3.52).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

MSU Moorhead vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead and South Dakota 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $2,840 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($22,276 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($230 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.