MSU Moorhead vs. University of St Thomas

Comparable Facts

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

University of St Thomas is larger than MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (9,410 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); University of St Thomas is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of St Thomas is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; University of St Thomas 14:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of St Thomas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead or University of St Thomas? 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 St Thomas ($18,221 vs. $31,250).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minnesota State University Moorhead are 26.6% lower than at University of St Thomas ($10,994 vs. $14,969).
• University of St Thomas is 421.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Moorhead (about $43,970 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 421.7% higher at University of St Thomas than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $43,970 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Thomas than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 452.1% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($35,587 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. University of St Thomas Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Thomas (1340) is 150 points higher than at MSU Moorhead (1190).
• Incoming University of St Thomas students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 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 St Thomas 1260/1423.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; University of St Thomas 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; University of St Thomas - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Thomas students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at MSU Moorhead (3.52).
• University of St Thomas has a higher acceptance rate (85.4%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 20.8% at University of St Thomas.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of St Thomas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead and University of St Thomas? 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 St Thomas's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $19,600 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $3,724 lower median loan debt than University of St Thomas graduates ($22,276 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Thomas graduates ($230 vs. $268).
• More University of St Thomas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.