Metropolitan State University: 81.7% Acceptance Rate

81.7%Acceptance

$9,780Tuition

4,998Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$64,705Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalData: 2023-24

About Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University builds its reputation on flexibility for working adults and career changers. The university serves 4,998 students in Saint Paul's urban landscape, designing programs around busy schedules rather than traditional college timelines. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to accessible higher education. Metro State attracts students who juggle work, family, and education simultaneously.

The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $19,181 annually, with the same tuition rate applying to both in-state and out-of-state students at $9,780. Graduates typically leave with $17,100 in debt and earn a median salary of $64,705 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average just $181, making the debt manageable against solid earning potential. The employment rate hits 95.1%, suggesting strong job market outcomes.

The student body reflects Minnesota's changing demographics. Women make up 58% of enrollment, while the racial composition spans 36% White, 32% Black, 17% Asian, and 8% Hispanic students. Nearly all students (97%) come from Minnesota. The 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of part-time, working students who take longer to complete degrees. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the urban setting.

Academics & Faculty

Metropolitan State specializes in serving working adults and non-traditional students who need flexibility to balance education with careers and family obligations. The university operates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention that's crucial for students juggling multiple responsibilities. However, the 35.5% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that most students attend part-time and take longer to complete degrees. Metro State built its reputation around career-focused programs in business, criminal justice, and health sciences that align with local job markets. The university's evening and weekend classes, along with accelerated degree formats, attract students who can't attend traditional daytime programs. Nearly 97% of students are Minnesota residents seeking practical, affordable education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.4%
Retention Rate: 73.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,705
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$76,998
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$68,821
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$65,131
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$63,005
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$62,012
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Bachelor	$57,318
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$57,318
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$54,713
Information Science/Studies.	Bachelor	$53,775
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.	Master	$52,107

View all 82 programs →

Campus Life

Metropolitan State University sits in downtown Saint Paul, minutes from Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro area of 3.7 million people. Students bundle up for Minnesota winters that can drop below zero, with snow lasting from December through March. The university operates without traditional residence halls, serving a student body where 97% come from Minnesota and many juggle work with classes.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classrooms despite the urban setting. Students often grab coffee between classes at nearby cafes or study in the library overlooking the Mississippi River. With 57% women and a diverse population including 32% Black students and 17% Asian students, the campus reflects the Twin Cities' demographics. Weekend life revolves around the cities rather than campus traditions. Students might catch a Twins game, explore the Walker Art Center, or hit the hiking trails around the Mississippi. The Roadrunners compete in NAIA athletics, though many students focus more on internships and part-time jobs that downtown Saint Paul readily provides.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1971

Campus Safety (2023)

27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	0	1	9
Stalking	1	5	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	1	3
Domestic Violence	0	1	2
Arson	0	0	1
Dating Violence	1	0	0
Fondling	0	1	0
Rape	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 9°–24°F
July Avg: 64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 62.0"
Annual Snowfall: -727.1"

Student Demographics

Metropolitan State attracts a diverse mix of working adults and non-traditional students who need flexible scheduling options. Women make up 57% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in fields like social work, nursing, and education. The campus serves a diverse population, with 32% Black students and 17% Asian students alongside 36% white students. Nearly all students come from Minnesota, showing the school's strong reputation among Twin Cities residents. With 44% receiving Pell Grants, Metro State fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to lower-income families seeking career advancement.

Men: 42.4%
Women: 57.6%
White: 36.1%
Black: 31.6%
Hispanic: 7.7%
Asian: 16.7%
In-State Students: 97.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.3%

Location

Metropolitan State University sits in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the smaller twin city across the Mississippi River from Minneapolis. The campus operates within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, home to over 3.5 million residents and major corporations like 3M and Target. Saint Paul serves as Minnesota's capital and offers students access to government internships, cultural venues, and diverse neighborhoods. The university draws 97.33% of its students from Minnesota, reflecting its role as a commuter school serving local working adults. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, but the area's extensive skyway system connects downtown buildings. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Metropolitan State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106-5000

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $64,705
Median Earnings (5 years): $63,739
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $181/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $17,100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Metropolitan State University?

Metropolitan State University accepts 81.7% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The university was founded in 1971 specifically to serve working adults and non-traditional students. With an average ACT score of 24, the school maintains reasonable academic standards while keeping doors open for diverse learners.

How much does Metropolitan State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,181 annually, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at $9,780. The school keeps costs manageable for working adults, with 44.3% of students receiving Pell Grants. Graduates typically leave with $17,100 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $181.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Metropolitan State University?

The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 4,998 total students enrolled. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention, which fits the school's mission of serving non-traditional students. The flexible scheduling and career-oriented programs attract students who need to balance education with work and family commitments.

What are the graduation rates at Metropolitan State University?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 38.4%, while the four-year rate is 35.5%. These figures reflect the school's focus on working adults who often attend part-time or take breaks in their education. Despite the extended timeline, graduates earn a median of $64,705 ten years after enrollment, with a 95.1% employment rate.

Where is Metropolitan State University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving a large metropolitan area with urban opportunities. The student body is 57.6% women and remarkably diverse, with 36.1% white, 31.6% Black, 16.7% Asian, and 7.7% Hispanic students. Nearly all students (97.3%) come from Minnesota, and the retention rate of 73.3% shows decent student satisfaction.

What makes Metropolitan State University's athletics unique?

The university's athletic teams go by the unusual nickname "Rodents," setting them apart from typical college mascots. This quirky branding reflects the school's non-traditional approach to higher education. The focus remains on serving working adults rather than traditional college athletics, with flexible programs designed around students' professional and personal obligations.