Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota vs St Cloud Technical and Community College
Compare average net price ($11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; $9,635 at St Cloud Technical and Community College), ROI score (12.43 vs 12.16), ten-year median earnings ($58,170 vs $46,874), and admissions context (92.8% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; Open / not reported at St Cloud Technical and Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 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 Mary's University of Minnesota | St Cloud Technical and Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.43 ✓ | 12.16 |
| Avg net price | $11,704 | $9,635 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,170 ✓ | $46,874 |
| Acceptance rate | 92.8% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 66% ✓ | 44.9% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,073 | 3,113 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota costs $2,069 more per year than St Cloud Technical and Community College ($11,704 vs $9,635). Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates report $11,296 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,170 vs $46,874). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ahead on projected ROI (12.43 vs 12.16, 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; St Cloud Technical and Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota vs St Cloud Technical and Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Mary's University of Minnesota or St Cloud Technical and Community College the better value?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.43 vs 12.16), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
St Cloud Technical and Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,635 per year vs $11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The annual difference of $2,069 adds up to about $8,276 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 $46,874 at St Cloud Technical and Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,296.
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; St Cloud Technical and Community College reports A.