California State University-Fullerton vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Good news if you're stuck between them: California State University-Fullerton and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities come out about even on financial return. California State University-Fullerton scores 88/100 and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities scores 88/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State University-Fullerton runs $6,555 a year against $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - $10,223 more a year, or about $40,892 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn a median $69,020 against $62,951 at California State University-Fullerton. The cost earns itself back in 5.9 years at California State University-Fullerton and 6.1 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State University-Fullerton owing a median $13,750 versus $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.36 and 0.42 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.