University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Minnesota Duluth in Duluth, MN with Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than University of Minnesota-Duluth based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 9,253 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Minnesota Duluth is located in Duluth, MN (Small City setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• University of Minnesota Duluth is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Minnesota Duluth 16:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Minnesota-Duluth or St. Cloud 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 University of Minnesota-Duluth ($14,735 vs. $20,128).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 4.6% lower than at University of Minnesota Duluth ($10,596 vs. $11,110).
• University of Minnesota Duluth is 42.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $4,365 more per year; $14,610.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.5% higher at University of Minnesota-Duluth than at Saint Cloud State University (about $9,885 more per year; $20,130.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Minnesota Duluth than at Saint Cloud State University (95% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Minnesota Duluth students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($7,186 vs. $7,036).

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Minnesota-Duluth or St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud State University and University of Minnesota-Duluth.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Duluth (1270) is 130 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming University of Minnesota-Duluth students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Duluth 1180/1350; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Duluth 23/28; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Minnesota-Duluth - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Minnesota-Duluth Aug 1, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Minnesota-Duluth students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than University of Minnesota-Duluth (88.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Minnesota-Duluth and St. Cloud 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).

• University of Minnesota Duluth's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $46,700), 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 University of Minnesota-Duluth 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 University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.