Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN with Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities is larger than St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (56,666 students vs. 10,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Minnesota Twin Cities is located in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Minnesota Twin Cities 17:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Minnesota or St. Cloud State University? 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 Minnesota ($14,735 vs. $17,209).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 23.5% lower than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities ($10,596 vs. $13,856).
• University of Minnesota Twin Cities is 68% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $6,969 more per year; $17,214.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 274.4% higher at Minnesota than at Saint Cloud State University (about $28,117 more per year; $38,362.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Cloud State University than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (84% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Minnesota Twin Cities students is 78.4% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($12,552 vs. $7,036).

Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Minnesota or St. Cloud State University? 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 St. Cloud State University and Minnesota.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1400) is 260 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming Minnesota students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Twin Cities 1300/1500; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Twin Cities 26/31; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Minnesota - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); St. Cloud State University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Minnesota Jan 1, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Minnesota students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Minnesota (79.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.3% at Minnesota vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Minnesota and St. Cloud State University? 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).

• University of Minnesota Twin Cities's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates have a $2,315 lower median loan debt than St. Cloud State University graduates ($20,185 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Minnesota graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Cloud State University graduates ($208 vs. $232).
• More Minnesota graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.