Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University is a public university in Saint Paul, MN ranked #860 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 4,998 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 96.5%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Management Information Systems and Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 73.3% first-year retention, and 38.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $19,181, about $2,183 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -28.5%, roughly 113.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $54,828. That's about $11,140 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Metropolitan State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Metropolitan State University graduates 38.4% of students within six years and keeps 73.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Metropolitan State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,780 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $26,057 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 44.3% of Metropolitan State University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,714 to $26,057 depending on family income. Use Metropolitan State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,145/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,057/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $54,828
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,828
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,900
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 56.7%
- Employment Rate 90.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Metropolitan State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Metropolitan State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Metropolitan State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Metropolitan State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Metropolitan State University graduates earn $54,828 median, the -28.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,998
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.3%
- Graduation Rate 38.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Metropolitan State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Metropolitan State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 96.5%, Metropolitan State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 96.5% acceptance rate, Metropolitan State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Metropolitan State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 15.0%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 9.8%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.1%
- Psychology, General 6.0%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.1%
See more majors
- Human Services, General 4.7%
- Computer Science 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $99,864
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $93,586
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $92,966
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Information Science/Studies $82,008
- 5. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $81,130
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $79,577
- 7. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $70,018
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $69,606
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $68,407
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $67,821
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $100,485
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $83,445
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $75,682
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $99,864—47% more than Accounting and Related Services ($67,821). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $100,485 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Metropolitan State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 284 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 158 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 134 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 114 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 96 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Human Services, General
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Information Science/Studies
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Social Sciences, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Chemistry
- History
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Applied Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Economics
- Computer Programming
- International Business
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Special Education and Teaching
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Data Science
Online Master's Degrees (13 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Computer Science
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Biology, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mathematics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,998
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.4%
- Female Students 57.6%
- Caucasian 36.1%
- Asian 16.7%
- Hispanic 7.7%
- Black 31.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 44.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Metropolitan State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Metropolitan State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Metropolitan State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Metropolitan State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Metropolitan State University has a diverse student body, with 36.1% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Metropolitan State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Metropolitan State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Metropolitan State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #860 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $19,181 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $54,828 median earnings. The 38.4% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 73.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Metropolitan State University's Strengths
Ranked #860 with a B grade, Metropolitan State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Metropolitan State University excel at providing affordable education ($19,181 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Metropolitan State University's 73.3% retention and 38.4% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($54,828 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Metropolitan State University and $19,181 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 38.4% six-year graduation rate sits 24.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.3% first-year retention is 3.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -28.5% return on investment is 113.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $54,828 run about 25% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,181 is roughly $2,063 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.2% employment rate within three years sits 22.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $19,181 is about $2,063 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It holds a #860 national ranking Completion earns C+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 73.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 38.4% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -28.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,181 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $26,057.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,876 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,900 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 44.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $54,828 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 25% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 90.2% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -28.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Metropolitan State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Saint Paul, MN 55106-5000
- Website www.metrostate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$7.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate32.6%