St. Cloud State University vs. St Olaf

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN with St Olaf College in Northfield, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than St Olaf based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 3,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting); St Olaf College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. St Olaf College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Cloud State University 18:1; St Olaf College 11:1.

St. Cloud State University vs. St Olaf Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Cloud State University or St Olaf? 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 St Olaf ($14,735 vs. $26,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 22.3% lower than at St Olaf College ($10,596 vs. $13,630).
• St Olaf College is 483.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $49,515 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 483.3% higher at St Olaf than at Saint Cloud State University (about $49,515 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Olaf College than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St Olaf College students is 541% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($45,098 vs. $7,036).

St. Cloud State University vs. St Olaf Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St Olaf College (1390) is 250 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming St Olaf students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 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; St Olaf College 1300/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 17/25; St Olaf College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Cloud State University - Test optional; St Olaf - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027; St Olaf Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St Olaf students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than St Olaf (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at St. Cloud State University vs. 26.8% at St Olaf.

St. Cloud State University vs. St Olaf Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• St Olaf College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from St Olaf College earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than St Olaf graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St Olaf graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More St Olaf graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.