Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Compare average net price ($13,529 at Saint Cloud State University; $11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota), ROI score (10.31 vs 12.43), ten-year median earnings ($55,813 vs $58,170), and admissions selectivity (94.8% acceptance at Saint Cloud State University; 92.8% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) using federal College Scorecard data. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has a 5-1 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 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.31 | 12.43 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,529 | $11,704 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $55,813 | $58,170 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | 92.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% | 66% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,058 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 1,073 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1092 | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Cloud State University costs $1,825 more per year than Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ($13,529 vs $11,704). Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates report $2,357 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,170 vs $55,813). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ahead on projected ROI (12.43 vs 10.31, 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 Cloud State University is accessible at 94.8% acceptance versus 92.8% (accessible) at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Frequently asked
Saint Cloud State University vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Cloud State University 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 10.31), 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 $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $1,825 adds up to about $7,300 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 $55,813 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,357.
Which school is harder to get into?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is more selective at 92.8% acceptance vs 94.8% at Saint Cloud State University.
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. Saint Cloud State University reports a B value grade; Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports A.