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Minnesota State University Moorhead and St Olaf College are both public institutions — Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN and St Olaf College in Northfield, MN. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Moorhead, MN · Public
Acceptance rate: 58.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,072
Tuition: $10,428/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 57.3%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Moorhead, MN with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Northfield, MN · Private
Acceptance rate: 48.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,093
Tuition: $59,760/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 84.0%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Northfield, MN with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
| Factor | Minnesota State University Moorhead | St Olaf College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 58.8% | 48.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1090 average |
| 1300–1470 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 18–25 | 28–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,072 | 3,093 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $10,428/year | $59,760/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,997 | $23,874 |
| Graduation rate | 57.3% | 84.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $50,527 | $65,543 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Moorhead, MN | Northfield, MN |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Education | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences |
St Olaf College is more selective (48.3% vs 58.8% acceptance rate). Minnesota State University Moorhead has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,997 vs $23,874). St Olaf College reports the higher graduation rate (84.0% vs 57.3%). St Olaf College is the larger undergraduate campus (3,093 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Minnesota State University Moorhead and St Olaf College
Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 58.8%; St Olaf College is around 48.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Minnesota State University Moorhead tuition is $10,428/year. St Olaf College is $59,760/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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