Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs South Central College
Compare average net price ($13,529 at Saint Cloud State University; $9,082 at South Central College), ROI score (10.31 vs 12.41), ten-year median earnings ($55,813 vs $45,068), and admissions context (94.8% at Saint Cloud State University; Open / not reported at South Central College) using federal College Scorecard data. South Central College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. South Central 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 | Saint Cloud State University | South Central College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.31 | 12.41 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,529 | $9,082 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $55,813 ✓ | $45,068 |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% ✓ | 39.1% |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 1,946 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1092 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Cloud State University costs $4,447 more per year than South Central College ($13,529 vs $9,082). Saint Cloud State University graduates report $10,745 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,813 vs $45,068). On EduGradify's model that puts South Central College ahead on projected ROI (12.41 vs 10.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (South Central 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; South Central College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Saint Cloud State University vs South Central College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Cloud State University or South Central College the better value?
South Central College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.41 vs 10.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
South Central College is cheaper — average net price $9,082 per year vs $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $4,447 adds up to about $17,788 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Saint Cloud State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,813 vs $45,068 at South Central College. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,745.
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; South Central College reports A.