Head-to-head · 2026
Ridgewater College vs Saint Cloud State University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Ridgewater College, 1 for Saint Cloud State University — Ridgewater College 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 | Ridgewater College | Saint Cloud State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.91 ✓ | 10.31 |
| Avg net price | $10,046 ✓ | $13,529 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,827 | $55,813 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 94.8% |
| Graduation rate | 50.2% ✓ | 40.3% |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $21,058 |
| Enrollment | 2,162 | 5,088 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1092 |
| Wins | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Cloud State University costs $3,483 more per year than Ridgewater College ($13,529 vs $10,046). Saint Cloud State University graduates report $11,986 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,813 vs $43,827). On EduGradify's model that puts Ridgewater College ahead on projected ROI (10.91 vs 10.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Ridgewater 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; Ridgewater College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Ridgewater College vs Saint Cloud State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Ridgewater College or Saint Cloud State University the better value?
Ridgewater College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.91 vs 10.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Ridgewater College is cheaper — average net price $10,046 per year vs $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $3,483 adds up to about $13,932 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Saint Cloud State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,813 vs $43,827 at Ridgewater College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,986.
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. Ridgewater College reports a A value grade; Saint Cloud State University reports B.