Head-to-head · 2026
North Hennepin Community College vs Saint Cloud State University
Compare average net price ($12,186 at North Hennepin Community College; $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University), ROI score (10.49 vs 10.31), ten-year median earnings ($51,142 vs $55,813), and admissions context (Open / not reported at North Hennepin Community College; 94.8% at Saint Cloud State University) using federal College Scorecard data. North Hennepin Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. North Hennepin Community College 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 | North Hennepin Community College | Saint Cloud State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.49 ✓ | 10.31 |
| Avg net price | $12,186 ✓ | $13,529 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $51,142 | $55,813 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 94.8% |
| Graduation rate | 22.4% | 40.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,750 ✓ | $21,058 |
| Enrollment | 3,451 | 5,088 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1092 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Cloud State University costs $1,343 more per year than North Hennepin Community College ($13,529 vs $12,186). Saint Cloud State University graduates report $4,671 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,813 vs $51,142). On EduGradify's model that puts North Hennepin Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.49 vs 10.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (North Hennepin Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Saint Cloud State University reports 94.8% acceptance; North Hennepin Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
North Hennepin Community College vs Saint Cloud State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Hennepin Community College or Saint Cloud State University the better value?
North Hennepin Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.49 vs 10.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
North Hennepin Community College is cheaper — average net price $12,186 per year vs $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $1,343 adds up to about $5,372 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Saint Cloud State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,813 vs $51,142 at North Hennepin Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,671.
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. North Hennepin Community College reports a B value grade; Saint Cloud State University reports B.