Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Compare average net price ($13,529 at Saint Cloud State University; $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities), ROI score (10.31 vs 10.28), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($55,813 vs $69,020), and admissions selectivity (94.8% acceptance at Saint Cloud State University; 79.8% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) 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-Twin Cities |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.31 ✓ | 10.28 |
| Avg net price | $13,529 ✓ | $16,778 |
| 4-year avg net price | $54,116 ✓ | $67,112 |
| In-state tuition | $10,245 | $17,214 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $10,245 | $38,362 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $55,813 | $69,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | 79.8% |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% | 85.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 70.7% | 91.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 31,855 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1092 | 1362 |
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-Twin Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,909 | $6,642 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $9,871 | $7,283 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,034 | $9,931 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,781 ✓ | $16,415 |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,989 ✓ | $27,008 |
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-Twin Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.9% | 4.7% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 4.4% | 3.8% |
| Psychology, General | 3.1% | 3.9% |
| Computer Science | 1.9% | 4.6% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 3.9% | 2.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.1% | 2.3% |
| Biology, General | 2.7% | 2.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Saint Cloud State University reports the lower average net price by $3,249 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $12,996 difference over four years ($54,116 vs $67,112).
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports $13,207 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($69,020 vs $55,813). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 70.7% at Saint Cloud State University and 91.1% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median federal debt among completers is $21,058 vs $19,500, 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-Twin Cities, 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 $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The annual difference of $3,249 adds up to about $12,996 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $69,020 vs $55,813 at Saint Cloud State University. The gap in the federal data is $13,207. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more selective at 79.8% 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.