Head-to-head · 2026
Metropolitan State University vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Metropolitan State University, 4 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 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.59 | 12.43 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,863 | $11,704 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $64,705 ✓ | $58,170 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.7% | 92.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.6% | 66% ✓ |
| Median debt | $17,100 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 5,616 | 1,073 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1020 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Metropolitan State University costs $5,159 more per year than Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ($16,863 vs $11,704). Metropolitan State University graduates report $6,535 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,705 vs $58,170). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ahead on projected ROI (12.43 vs 9.59, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Metropolitan State University is accessible at 98.7% acceptance versus 92.8% (accessible) at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Frequently asked
Metropolitan State University vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Metropolitan State University 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 9.59), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is cheaper — average net price $11,704 per year vs $16,863 at Metropolitan State University. The annual difference of $5,159 adds up to about $20,636 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Metropolitan State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,705 vs $58,170 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,535.
Which school is harder to get into?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is more selective at 92.8% acceptance vs 98.7% at Metropolitan State University.
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. Metropolitan State University reports a B value grade; Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports A.