Head-to-head · 2026
Metropolitan State University vs Saint Cloud State University
Compare average net price ($16,863 at Metropolitan State University; $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University), ROI score (9.59 vs 10.31), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($64,705 vs $55,813), and admissions selectivity (98.7% acceptance at Metropolitan State University; 94.8% at Saint Cloud State University) 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 | Saint Cloud State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.59 | 10.31 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,863 | $13,529 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $67,452 | $54,116 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $9,840 | $10,245 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,840 | $10,245 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $64,705 ✓ | $55,813 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.7% | 94.8% |
| Graduation rate | 43.6% ✓ | 40.3% |
| Retention rate | 67.5% | 70.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $17,100 ✓ | $21,058 |
| Enrollment | 5,616 | 5,088 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1020 | 1092 |
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 | Saint Cloud State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $15,238 | $8,909 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $16,656 | $9,871 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,659 | $12,034 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,994 | $14,781 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $21,905 | $18,989 ✓ |
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 | Saint Cloud State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 16.4% | 4.9% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 9.7% | 4.4% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 9.7% | 3.6% |
| Psychology, General | 6.2% | 3.1% |
| Computer Science | 5.8% | 1.9% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 4.6% | 2.4% |
| Social Work | 3% | 4% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 2.6% | 3.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Saint Cloud State University reports the lower average net price by $3,334 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $13,336 difference over four years ($54,116 vs $67,452).
Metropolitan State University reports $8,892 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($64,705 vs $55,813). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 67.5% at Metropolitan State University and 70.7% at Saint Cloud State University. Median federal debt among completers is $17,100 vs $21,058, 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
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Frequently asked
Metropolitan State University vs Saint Cloud State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Saint Cloud State University is cheaper — average net price $13,529 per year vs $16,863 at Metropolitan State University. The annual difference of $3,334 adds up to about $13,336 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Metropolitan State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $64,705 vs $55,813 at Saint Cloud State University. The gap in the federal data is $8,892. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Saint Cloud State University is more selective at 94.8% acceptance vs 98.7% at Metropolitan State University.
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.