St. Cloud State University vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 10,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Cloud State University 18:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

St. Cloud State University vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Cloud State University or NDSU? 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 Saint Cloud State University than NDSU ($14,735 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 6.3% lower than at Saint Cloud State University ($9,928 vs. $10,596).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 8.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $865 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.9% higher at NDSU than at Saint Cloud State University (about $5,519 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Cloud State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (84% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Cloud State University students is 9.8% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($7,036 vs. $6,409).

St. Cloud State University vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Cloud State University or NDSU? 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 NDSU and St. Cloud State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 50 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming NDSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 17/25; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Cloud State University - Test optional; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027; NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than St. Cloud State University (94.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at St. Cloud State University vs. 32% at NDSU.

St. Cloud State University vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Cloud State University and NDSU? 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).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $800 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($232 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 67%)

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.