Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs South Central College
Compare average net price ($13,529 at Saint Cloud State University; $9,082 at South Central College), ROI score (10.31 vs 12.41), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($55,813 vs $45,068), and admissions context (94.8% at Saint Cloud State University; Open / not reported at South Central 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 | Saint Cloud State University | South Central College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.31 | 12.41 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,529 | $9,082 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $54,116 | $36,328 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $10,245 | $6,146 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $10,245 | $6,146 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $55,813 ✓ | $45,068 |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% ✓ | 39.1% |
| Retention rate | 70.7% ✓ | 59% |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 1,946 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 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 | Saint Cloud State University | South Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,909 | $6,470 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $9,871 | $8,439 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,034 | $9,368 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,781 | $10,947 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,989 | $15,132 ✓ |
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 | Saint Cloud State University | South Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 4.5% | 16.2% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 3.6% | 7.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.1% | 5.1% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.9% | 3.1% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 5.3% | 2% |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | 1.9% | 5.1% |
| Social Work | 4% | 2% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.9% | 3.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
South Central College reports the lower average net price by $4,447 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $17,788 difference over four years ($36,328 vs $54,116).
Saint Cloud State University reports $10,745 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($55,813 vs $45,068). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 70.7% at Saint Cloud State University and 59% at South Central College. Median federal debt among completers is $21,058 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
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Frequently asked
Saint Cloud State University vs South Central College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
South Central College is cheaper — average net price $9,082 per year vs $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $4,447 adds up to about $17,788 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Saint Cloud State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $55,813 vs $45,068 at South Central College. The gap in the federal data is $10,745. 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.