Head-to-head · 2026
Inver Hills Community College vs Metropolitan State University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Inver Hills Community College, 2 for Metropolitan State University — Inver Hills Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Inver Hills Community College | Metropolitan State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.72 ✓ | 9.59 |
| Avg net price | $11,636 ✓ | $16,863 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,898 | $64,705 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 98.7% |
| Graduation rate | 23.8% | 43.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $13,965 ✓ | $17,100 |
| Enrollment | 2,193 | 5,616 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1020 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Metropolitan State University costs $5,227 more per year than Inver Hills Community College ($16,863 vs $11,636). Metropolitan State University graduates report $14,807 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,705 vs $49,898). On EduGradify's model that puts Inver Hills Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.72 vs 9.59, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Inver Hills Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Metropolitan State University reports 98.7% acceptance; Inver Hills Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Inver Hills Community College vs Metropolitan State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Inver Hills Community College or Metropolitan State University the better value?
Inver Hills Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.72 vs 9.59), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Inver Hills Community College is cheaper — average net price $11,636 per year vs $16,863 at Metropolitan State University. The annual difference of $5,227 adds up to about $20,908 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Metropolitan State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,705 vs $49,898 at Inver Hills Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,807.
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. Inver Hills Community College reports a A value grade; Metropolitan State University reports B.

