Head-to-head · 2026
Inver Hills Community College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Inver Hills Community College, 3 for Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.72 | 12.43 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,636 ✓ | $11,704 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,898 | $58,170 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 92.8% |
| Graduation rate | 23.8% | 66% ✓ |
| Median debt | $13,965 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,193 | 1,073 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota costs $68 more per year than Inver Hills Community College ($11,704 vs $11,636). Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates report $8,272 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,170 vs $49,898). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ahead on projected ROI (12.43 vs 10.72, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports 92.8% acceptance; Inver Hills Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Inver Hills Community College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Inver Hills Community College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota the better value?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.43 vs 10.72), 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 $11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The annual difference of $68 adds up to about $272 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,170 vs $49,898 at Inver Hills Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,272.
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; Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports A.