Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota vs South Central College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, 2 for South Central College — Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 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 Mary's University of Minnesota | South Central College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.43 ✓ | 12.41 |
| Avg net price | $11,704 | $9,082 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,170 ✓ | $45,068 |
| Acceptance rate | 92.8% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 66% ✓ | 39.1% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,073 | 1,946 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota costs $2,622 more per year than South Central College ($11,704 vs $9,082). Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates report $13,102 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,170 vs $45,068). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ahead on projected ROI (12.43 vs 12.41, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reports 92.8% acceptance; South Central College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota vs South Central College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Mary's University of Minnesota or South Central College the better value?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.43 vs 12.41), 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 $11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The annual difference of $2,622 adds up to about $10,488 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 $45,068 at South Central College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,102.
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 Mary's University of Minnesota reports a A value grade; South Central College reports A.