Head-to-head · 2026
Normandale Community College vs Saint Cloud State University
Compare average net price ($12,972 at Normandale Community College; $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University), ROI score (9.68 vs 10.31), ten-year median earnings ($50,207 vs $55,813), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Normandale Community College; 94.8% at Saint Cloud State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Saint Cloud State University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Saint Cloud State University 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 | Normandale Community College | Saint Cloud State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.68 | 10.31 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,972 ✓ | $13,529 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,207 | $55,813 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 94.8% |
| Graduation rate | 27% | 40.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $21,058 |
| Enrollment | 7,044 | 5,088 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1092 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Cloud State University costs $557 more per year than Normandale Community College ($13,529 vs $12,972). Saint Cloud State University graduates report $5,606 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,813 vs $50,207). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Cloud State University ahead on projected ROI (10.31 vs 9.68, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Saint Cloud State University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Saint Cloud State University reports 94.8% acceptance; Normandale Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Normandale Community College vs Saint Cloud State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Normandale Community College or Saint Cloud State University the better value?
Saint Cloud State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.31 vs 9.68), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Normandale Community College is cheaper — average net price $12,972 per year vs $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $557 adds up to about $2,228 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Saint Cloud State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,813 vs $50,207 at Normandale Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,606.
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. Normandale Community College reports a B value grade; Saint Cloud State University reports B.