Head-to-head · 2026
Normandale Community College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Compare average net price ($12,972 at Normandale Community College; $11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota), ROI score (9.68 vs 12.43), ten-year median earnings ($50,207 vs $58,170), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Normandale Community College; 92.8% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) using federal College Scorecard data. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 Mary's University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.68 | 12.43 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,972 | $11,704 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,207 | $58,170 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 92.8% |
| Graduation rate | 27% | 66% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 7,044 | 1,073 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Normandale Community College costs $1,268 more per year than Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ($12,972 vs $11,704). Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates report $7,963 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,170 vs $50,207). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ahead on projected ROI (12.43 vs 9.68, 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, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports 92.8% acceptance; Normandale Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Normandale Community College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Normandale 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 9.68), 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 $12,972 at Normandale Community College. The annual difference of $1,268 adds up to about $5,072 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 $50,207 at Normandale Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,963.
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 Mary's University of Minnesota reports A.