Northern Michigan University vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Michigan University is larger than Metropolitan State University based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 6,660 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Michigan University 18:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Northern Michigan University vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Michigan University or Metropolitan 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 Northern Michigan University than Metropolitan State University ($15,707 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Michigan University are 16.3% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($13,274 vs. $15,864).
• Northern Michigan University is 45.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $4,437 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.9% higher at Northern Michigan University than at Metropolitan State University (about $9,933 more per year; $19,773.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Michigan University than at Metropolitan State University (94% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($12,012 vs. $8,538).

Northern Michigan University vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Michigan University or Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan State University and Northern Michigan University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Michigan University - Test-free; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Northern Michigan University (84%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Northern Michigan University vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Northern Michigan University vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Michigan University and Metropolitan 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).

• Northern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $4,300 lower median loan debt than Northern Michigan University graduates ($17,992 vs. $22,292).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Michigan University graduates ($186 vs. $230).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 56%)

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.