Head-to-head · 2026
College of Saint Mary vs Metropolitan Community College Area
Compare average net price ($16,590 at College of Saint Mary; $4,982 at Metropolitan Community College Area), ROI score (8.19 vs 19.46), ten-year median earnings ($54,338 vs $38,773), and admissions context (44.7% at College of Saint Mary; Open / not reported at Metropolitan Community College Area) using federal College Scorecard data. Metropolitan Community College Area has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Metropolitan Community College Area leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of Saint Mary | Metropolitan Community College Area |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.19 | 19.46 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,590 | $4,982 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,338 ✓ | $38,773 |
| Acceptance rate | 44.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 60.5% ✓ | 29.3% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $8,217 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 445 | 8,775 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1150 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
College of Saint Mary costs $11,608 more per year than Metropolitan Community College Area ($16,590 vs $4,982). College of Saint Mary graduates report $15,565 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,338 vs $38,773). On EduGradify's model that puts Metropolitan Community College Area ahead on projected ROI (19.46 vs 8.19, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Metropolitan Community College Area) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, College of Saint Mary reports 44.7% acceptance; Metropolitan Community College Area does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
College of Saint Mary vs Metropolitan Community College Area, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of Saint Mary or Metropolitan Community College Area the better value?
Metropolitan Community College Area has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.46 vs 8.19), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Metropolitan Community College Area is cheaper — average net price $4,982 per year vs $16,590 at College of Saint Mary. The annual difference of $11,608 adds up to about $46,432 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
College of Saint Mary reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,338 vs $38,773 at Metropolitan Community College Area. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,565.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of Saint Mary reports a B value grade; Metropolitan Community College Area reports A+.