Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Crookston
Compare average net price ($13,529 at Saint Cloud State University; $12,212 at University of Minnesota-Crookston), ROI score (10.31 vs 11.89), ten-year median earnings ($55,813 vs $58,056), and admissions selectivity (94.8% acceptance at Saint Cloud State University; 87.9% at University of Minnesota-Crookston) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Minnesota-Crookston has a 6-0 metric-level edge. University of Minnesota-Crookston 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 | University of Minnesota-Crookston |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.31 | 11.89 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,529 | $12,212 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $55,813 | $58,056 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | 87.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% | 49.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 1,729 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1092 | — |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Cloud State University costs $1,317 more per year than University of Minnesota-Crookston ($13,529 vs $12,212). University of Minnesota-Crookston graduates report $2,243 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,056 vs $55,813). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Minnesota-Crookston ahead on projected ROI (11.89 vs 10.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Minnesota-Crookston) 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 87.9% (accessible) at University of Minnesota-Crookston.
Frequently asked
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Crookston, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Cloud State University or University of Minnesota-Crookston the better value?
University of Minnesota-Crookston has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.89 vs 10.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Minnesota-Crookston is cheaper — average net price $12,212 per year vs $13,529 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual difference of $1,317 adds up to about $5,268 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Crookston reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,056 vs $55,813 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,243.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Minnesota-Crookston is more selective at 87.9% 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; University of Minnesota-Crookston reports A.