MSU Moorhead vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester

Comparable Facts

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

Minnesota State University Moorhead is larger than University of Minnesota-Rochester based on total student enrollment (4,386 students vs. 578 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); University of Minnesota Rochester is in Rochester, MN (Midsize City setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Rochester is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; University of Minnesota Rochester 13:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota Rochester than MSU Moorhead ($14,953 vs. $18,221).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minnesota State University Moorhead are 21.4% lower than at University of Minnesota Rochester ($10,994 vs. $13,994).
• University of Minnesota Rochester is 44% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Moorhead (about $4,588 more per year; $15,016.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44% higher at University of Minnesota-Rochester than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $4,588 more per year; $15,016.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minnesota State University Moorhead than at University of Minnesota Rochester (91% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Minnesota Rochester students is 118.1% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($14,057 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 Minnesota-Rochester and MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 20 points higher than at University of Minnesota-Rochester (1170).
• Incoming University of Minnesota-Rochester students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 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 Minnesota Rochester 950/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; University of Minnesota Rochester 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; University of Minnesota-Rochester - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Minnesota-Rochester Jul 31, 2027.
• University of Minnesota-Rochester has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 20.3% at University of Minnesota-Rochester.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead and University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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).

• Graduates from University of Minnesota Rochester earn a median of about $15,800 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Rochester graduates have a $2,091 lower median loan debt than MSU Moorhead graduates ($20,185 vs. $22,276).
• Among borrowers, University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU Moorhead graduates ($208 vs. $230).
• More University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.