Metropolitan State University
About Metropolitan State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It primarily serves working adults and nontraditional students with flexible evening, weekend, and online programs in business, nursing, IT, and criminal justice.
Founded
1971
Location
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Students
6,372
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
43.6%
Below national average
Tuition
$9,840
Per year
Avg Net Price
$16,863
After financial aid
SAT Average
1020
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$64,705
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
Metropolitan State University accepts the majority of applicants at 98.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1020/ 1600
Average: 1020 out of 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
43.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
67.5%
4-Year Grad
15%
6-Year Grad
38%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
35.3%
$/Student
$7.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 15% graduation rate is below average, but 67.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,840
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,172
After Financial Aid
$16,863
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$15,238
Receive Grants
47.6%
Take Loans
31.1%
Tuition is $9,840/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $16,863.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Metropolitan State University fund their education.
While in School
47.6%
Get Grants
Free money
31.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$28,315
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,100
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$181/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.1% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,100. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Metropolitan State University.
Gender
56.9%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,616
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
756
Graduates
37.1%
First-Gen
29 yrs
Avg Age
54.4%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 29, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 37.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
5,616
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Metropolitan State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$64,705
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$56K
245 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$50K
140 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$77K
107 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$73K
105 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$41K
102 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$52K
83 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $55K at six years, $49K at eight, and $65K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Metropolitan State University
What is the acceptance rate at Metropolitan State University?▾
How much does Metropolitan State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Metropolitan State University?▾
How much do Metropolitan State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.