Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Compare average net price ($13,529 at Saint Cloud State University; $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities), ROI score (10.31 vs 10.28), ten-year median earnings ($55,813 vs $69,020), and admissions selectivity (94.8% acceptance at Saint Cloud State University; 79.8% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a 5-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better 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-Twin Cities |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.31 ✓ | 10.28 |
| Avg net price | $13,529 ✓ | $16,778 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $55,813 | $69,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 94.8% | 79.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 40.3% | 85.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,088 | 31,855 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1092 | 1362 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs $3,249 more per year than Saint Cloud State University ($16,778 vs $13,529). University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates report $13,207 higher median earnings after ten years ($69,020 vs $55,813). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Cloud State University ahead on projected ROI (10.31 vs 10.28, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Saint Cloud State University) 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 79.8% (accessible) at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Frequently asked
Saint Cloud State University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Cloud State University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities the better value?
Saint Cloud State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.31 vs 10.28), 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 $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The annual difference of $3,249 adds up to about $12,996 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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-Twin Cities is more selective at 79.8% 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; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports B.