St. Cloud State University vs. Ripon College

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN with Ripon College in Ripon, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than Ripon College based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting); Ripon College is in Ripon, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ripon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Cloud State University 18:1; Ripon College 12:1.

St. Cloud State University vs. Ripon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Cloud State University or Ripon College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Saint Cloud State University than Ripon College ($14,735 vs. $23,772).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 1.9% lower than at Ripon College ($10,596 vs. $10,800).
• Ripon College is 406.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $41,655 more per year; $51,900.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 406.6% higher at Ripon College than at Saint Cloud State University (about $41,655 more per year; $51,900.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ripon College than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ripon College students is 464.5% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($39,716 vs. $7,036).

St. Cloud State University vs. Ripon College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Cloud State University or Ripon College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ripon College and St. Cloud State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 10 points higher than at Ripon College (1130).
• Incoming Ripon College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260; Ripon College 980/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 17/25; Ripon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Cloud State University - Test optional; Ripon College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ripon College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Ripon College (79.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at St. Cloud State University vs. 10.9% at Ripon College.

St. Cloud State University vs. Ripon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Cloud State University and Ripon College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Ripon College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Ripon College earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Ripon College graduates ($22,500 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ripon College graduates ($232 vs. $289).
• More Ripon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 67%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.