Academic Comparison between Metropolitan State and St Olaf

Metropolitan State University and St Olaf College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Metropolitan State is a four-year, public school located in Saint Paul, MN and St Olaf is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Northfield, MN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Metropolitan State is a public and St Olaf is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • St Olaf has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,760) than Metropolitan State ($9,840).
  • It is harder to admit to St Olaf than Metropolitan State.
  • St Olaf has higher submitted ACT score (19) than Metropolitan State (19).
  • Metropolitan State has more students with 6,660 students while St Olaf has 3,124 students.
  • St Olaf has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Metropolitan State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • St Olaf has more full-time faculties with 232 faculties while Metropolitan State has 164 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Metropolitan State Universityvs.St Olaf College
Saint Paul, MinnesotaLocationNorthfield, Minnesota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$9,840
Out-Of-State$9,840
2025 Tuition & Fees$59,760
64%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$6,190Average Amount of Financial Aid$44,394
98.71 %Acceptance Rates48.32 %
33.82 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.84 %
-SAT Score1,380
19ACT Score30
44 %Graduation Rate84 %
36 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
68 %Retention Rate92 %
6,660Student Population3,124
164Number of Faculties232
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services