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Arizona State University vs University of Minnesota

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
75.0% UMN acceptance
$16,288 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $5,202
ASU
$31,200
UMN
$36,402
Acceptance Rate UMN more selective
ASU
88.0%
UMN
75.0%
Graduation Rate UMN higher
ASU
69%
UMN
83%
Avg SAT Score UMN higher
ASU
1230
UMN
1370
Starting Salary UMN higher
ASU
$60,100
UMN
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU UMN Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$36,402ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$15,588ASU
Room & Board$14,000$12,870UMN
Acceptance Rate88.0%75.0%UMN
Graduation Rate69%83%UMN
Average SAT12301370UMN
Student-Faculty Ratio18:117:1UMN
Enrollment83,44654,890-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$15,100UMN
Starting Salary$60,100$64,800UMN
Endowment$1.5B$4.4BUMN
Campus Size1,695 acres1,204 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | UMN = $136,688. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
UMNUrban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
UMN1,204 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
UMNNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
UMNMidwest
Founded
ASU1885
UMN1851
Enrollment
ASU83,446
UMN54,890

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or UMN harder to get into?+
UMN is more selective with an acceptance rate of 75.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or UMN?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $197,088). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while UMN offers $15,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and UMN?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at UMN it is 1370. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or UMN graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UMN have a higher average starting salary ($64,800 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UMN has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and UMN compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. UMN is in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with 1,204 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UMN in NCAA D1.