Head-to-head · 2026
Ridgewater College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Compare average net price ($10,046 at Ridgewater College; $11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota), ROI score (10.91 vs 12.43), ten-year median earnings ($43,827 vs $58,170), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Ridgewater College; 92.8% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) using federal College Scorecard data. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 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 | Ridgewater College | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.91 | 12.43 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,046 ✓ | $11,704 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,827 | $58,170 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 92.8% |
| Graduation rate | 50.2% | 66% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,162 | 1,073 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota costs $1,658 more per year than Ridgewater College ($11,704 vs $10,046). Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates report $14,343 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,170 vs $43,827). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ahead on projected ROI (12.43 vs 10.91, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports 92.8% acceptance; Ridgewater College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Ridgewater College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Ridgewater 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 10.91), 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 $11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The annual difference of $1,658 adds up to about $6,632 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 $43,827 at Ridgewater College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,343.
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 Mary's University of Minnesota reports A.