Degree Dividend
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Metropolitan State University vs Saint Paul College: which has better ROI?

Public, Saint Paul MN · vs · Public, Saint Paul MN

The verdict

Metropolitan State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,452 in 4.1 years versus not at all at Saint Paul College, on median earnings of $64,705 vs $38,399 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMetropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul College
Net price / yr$16,863$11,495
Total net cost$67,452$45,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,705$38,399
Median debt$17,100$10,925
Payback4.1 yrs
20-year net return$259,448-$245,200

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Metropolitan State University vs Saint Paul College: frequently asked questions

Is Metropolitan State University or Saint Paul College a better value?
Metropolitan State University. It clears its $67,452 net cost in about 4.1 years versus no clear payback at Saint Paul College, on median earnings of $64,705 vs $38,399 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University or Saint Paul College?
Saint Paul College: $11,495/yr net price after aid versus $16,863/yr at Metropolitan State University — a difference of $5,368 a year, or about $21,472 over four years.
Do Metropolitan State University or Saint Paul College graduates earn more?
Metropolitan State University graduates earn a median $64,705 ten years after entry, versus $38,399 at Saint Paul College — a $26,306 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.