Head-to-head · 2026
Metropolitan State University vs Minnesota North College
Compare average net price ($16,863 at Metropolitan State University; $10,432 at Minnesota North College), ROI score (9.59 vs 10.92), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($64,705 vs $45,570), and admissions context (98.7% at Metropolitan State University; Open / not reported at Minnesota North College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Metropolitan State University | Minnesota North College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.59 | 10.92 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,863 | $10,432 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $67,452 | $41,728 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $9,840 | $6,022 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,840 | $6,022 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $64,705 ✓ | $45,570 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 43.6% ✓ | 41.6% |
| Retention rate | 67.5% ✓ | 61.5% |
| Median debt | $17,100 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,616 | 2,013 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1020 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Metropolitan State University | Minnesota North College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $15,238 | $6,879 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $16,656 | $7,579 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,659 | $9,765 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,994 | $13,086 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $21,905 | $16,065 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Metropolitan State University | Minnesota North College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 1.1% | 35.1% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 9.7% | 4.3% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 4.6% | 3.2% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 4.2% | 0.3% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 0.8% | 3.3% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 2.3% | 1% |
| Human Services, General | 2.6% | 0.1% |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | 1% | 1.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Minnesota North College reports the lower average net price by $6,431 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $25,724 difference over four years ($41,728 vs $67,452).
Metropolitan State University reports $19,135 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($64,705 vs $45,570). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 67.5% at Metropolitan State University and 61.5% at Minnesota North College. Median federal debt among completers is $17,100 vs $12,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Metropolitan State University vs Minnesota North College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Minnesota North College is cheaper — average net price $10,432 per year vs $16,863 at Metropolitan State University. The annual difference of $6,431 adds up to about $25,724 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Metropolitan State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $64,705 vs $45,570 at Minnesota North College. The gap in the federal data is $19,135. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.

