Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota vs University of Minnesota-Rochester
Compare average net price ($11,704 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; $13,744 at University of Minnesota-Rochester), ROI score (12.43 vs 12.55), ten-year median earnings ($58,170 vs $69,020), and admissions selectivity (92.8% acceptance at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; 71% at University of Minnesota-Rochester) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Minnesota-Rochester has a 4-2 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 Mary's University of Minnesota | University of Minnesota-Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.43 | 12.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,704 ✓ | $13,744 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,170 | $69,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 92.8% | 71% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 66% ✓ | 57.4% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,073 | 568 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1183 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Minnesota-Rochester costs $2,040 more per year than Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ($13,744 vs $11,704). University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates report $10,850 higher median earnings after ten years ($69,020 vs $58,170). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Minnesota-Rochester ahead on projected ROI (12.55 vs 12.43, 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 Mary's University of Minnesota is accessible at 92.8% acceptance versus 71% (accessible) at University of Minnesota-Rochester.
Frequently asked
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota vs University of Minnesota-Rochester, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Mary's University of Minnesota or University of Minnesota-Rochester the better value?
University of Minnesota-Rochester has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.55 vs 12.43), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is cheaper — average net price $11,704 per year vs $13,744 at University of Minnesota-Rochester. The annual difference of $2,040 adds up to about $8,160 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Rochester reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $69,020 vs $58,170 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,850.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Minnesota-Rochester is more selective at 71% acceptance vs 92.8% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
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; University of Minnesota-Rochester reports A.