Rockford University vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

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

Metropolitan State University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Rockford University vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Metropolitan State University than Rockford University ($16,615 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 28% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,420 vs. $15,864).
• Rockford University is 283.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $27,940 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 283.9% higher at Rockford University than at Metropolitan State University (about $27,940 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Metropolitan State University (98% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 200.7% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($25,671 vs. $8,538).

Rockford University vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford 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 Rockford University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; 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 Rockford University (92.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Rockford University vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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).

• Rockford University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $7,008 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($17,992 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($186 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 57%)

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.