St. Cloud State University vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (12,056 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); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Cloud State University 18:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

St. Cloud State University vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Cloud State University or South Dakota 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 Saint Cloud State University than South Dakota State University ($14,735 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 4% lower than at Saint Cloud State University ($10,176 vs. $10,596).
• Saint Cloud State University is 10.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $946 more per year; $10,245.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25% higher at South Dakota State University than at Saint Cloud State University (about $2,564 more per year; $12,809.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Saint Cloud State University (94% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Cloud State University students is 57.3% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($7,036 vs. $4,474).

St. Cloud State University vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Cloud State University or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University and St. Cloud State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 10 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming South Dakota State University 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; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 17/25; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Cloud State University - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than St. Cloud State University (94.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at St. Cloud State University vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

St. Cloud State University vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Cloud State University and South Dakota 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $2,616 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($232 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.