Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Rochester
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Saint Cloud State University, 6 for University of Minnesota-Rochester — University of Minnesota-Rochester 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 | Saint Cloud State University | University of Minnesota-Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.31 | 12.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,529 ✓ | $13,744 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $55,813 | $69,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | 71% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% | 57.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 568 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1092 | 1183 ✓ |
| Wins | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Minnesota-Rochester costs $215 more per year than Saint Cloud State University ($13,744 vs $13,529). University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates report $13,207 higher median earnings after ten years ($69,020 vs $55,813). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Minnesota-Rochester ahead on projected ROI (12.55 vs 10.31, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Minnesota-Rochester) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Saint Cloud State University is accessible at 94.8% acceptance versus 71% (accessible) at University of Minnesota-Rochester.
Frequently asked
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Rochester, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Cloud State University or University of Minnesota-Rochester the better value?
University of Minnesota-Rochester has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.55 vs 10.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Saint Cloud State University is cheaper — average net price $13,529 per year vs $13,744 at University of Minnesota-Rochester. The annual difference of $215 adds up to about $860 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Rochester reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $69,020 vs $55,813 at Saint Cloud State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,207.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Minnesota-Rochester is more selective at 71% 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-Rochester reports A.