Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Crookston
Compare average net price ($13,529 at Saint Cloud State University; $12,212 at University of Minnesota-Crookston), ROI score (10.31 vs 11.89), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($55,813 vs $58,056), and admissions selectivity (94.8% acceptance at Saint Cloud State University; 87.9% at University of Minnesota-Crookston) 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 | University of Minnesota-Crookston |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.31 | 11.89 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,529 | $12,212 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $54,116 | $48,848 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $10,245 | $13,288 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $10,245 | $13,288 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $55,813 | $58,056 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | 87.9% |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% | 49.8% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 70.7% | 80% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 1,729 |
| 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 | University of Minnesota-Crookston |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,909 | $5,758 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $9,871 | $6,368 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,034 | $7,587 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,781 | $13,542 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,989 ✓ | $19,289 |
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 | University of Minnesota-Crookston |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.9% | 16.6% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.9% | 12.8% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 3.9% | 8.1% |
| Marketing | 3.4% | 5.4% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 3.8% | 4.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 4% | 2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.1% | 2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Minnesota-Crookston reports the lower average net price by $1,317 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $5,268 difference over four years ($48,848 vs $54,116).
University of Minnesota-Crookston reports $2,243 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($58,056 vs $55,813). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 70.7% at Saint Cloud State University and 80% at University of Minnesota-Crookston. Median federal debt among completers is $21,058 vs $20,500, 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 University of Minnesota-Crookston, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Minnesota-Crookston is cheaper — average net price $12,212 per year vs $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $1,317 adds up to about $5,268 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Crookston reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $58,056 vs $55,813 at Saint Cloud State University. The gap in the federal data is $2,243. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Minnesota-Crookston is more selective at 87.9% acceptance vs 94.8% at Saint Cloud 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.