St. Cloud State University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Cloud State University 18:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

St. Cloud State University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Cloud State University or WLC? 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 WLC ($14,735 vs. $24,095).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 13.5% lower than at Wisconsin Lutheran College ($10,596 vs. $12,250).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 252.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $25,865 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 252.5% higher at WLC than at Saint Cloud State University (about $25,865 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students is 250% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($24,624 vs. $7,036).

St. Cloud State University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 40 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 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; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 17/25; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Cloud State University - Test optional; WLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WLC students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than WLC (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at St. Cloud State University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

St. Cloud State University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More WLC 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.