Indiana University-Bloomington vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads by 4 points on ROI

Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release

ROI Score Comparison

Indiana University-BloomingtonPublic - Bloomington, IN
84
Strong Value
Earnings
86(0.44x)
Payback
82(7.1 yr)
Debt/Earn
83(0.44)
Completion
90(80%)
Repayment
77(82%)
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesPublic - Minneapolis, MN
88
Strong Value
Earnings
90(0.51x)
Payback
89(6.1 yr)
Debt/Earn
85(0.42)
Completion
93(85%)
Repayment
76(82%)

The Financial Comparison

On the numbers, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead: 88/100 to 84/100, a 4-point edge over Indiana University-Bloomington. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Indiana University-Bloomington runs $16,264 a year against $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - $514 more a year, or about $2,056 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 $63,742 at Indiana University-Bloomington. The cost earns itself back in 7.1 years at Indiana University-Bloomington and 6.1 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Minnesota-Twin Cities owing a median $19,500 versus $19,509 at Indiana University-Bloomington. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 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.

Head-to-Head Numbers

MetricIndiana University-Bloomi...University of Minnesota-T...
Cost
In-State Tuition$12,144$17,214
Out-of-State Tuition$41,891$38,362
Net Price (avg)$16,264$16,778
Total 4-Year Cost$65,056$67,112
Outcomes
Median Earnings (6yr)$44,200$46,000
Median Earnings (10yr)$63,742$69,020
Graduation Rate80.2%85.3%
Payback Period7.1 yr6.1 yr
Debt
Median Debt$19,509$19,500
Monthly Payment$207$207
Debt-to-Earnings0.440.42
3yr Repayment Rate82.1%81.9%
5yr Repayment Rate77.7%78.5%
Admissions
Acceptance Rate78.2%79.8%
Enrollment37,80631,855
SAT Range1170-14001300-1500

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.

Family IncomeIndiana University-B...University of Minnes...
$0-$30,000$6,324$6,642
$30,001-$48,000$7,610$7,283
$48,001-$75,000$12,154$9,931
$75,001-$110,000$20,204$16,415
$110,001+$25,128$27,008

Earnings by Major - Head to Head

Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.

MajorIndiana University-B...University of Minnes...
Computer Science$114,199$111,661
Business Administration and Management$105,583$84,516
Economics$99,653$82,488
Mathematics$89,112$81,864
Registered Nursing$81,781$82,960
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology$78,721$67,783
Apparel and Textiles$77,520$59,879
Neurobiology and Neurosciences$74,151$59,568
Chemistry$61,024$71,620
Liberal Arts and Sciences$52,020$70,788
International Relations$69,992$65,487
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology$69,128$68,398
Kinesiology and Exercise Science$68,675$60,931
Journalism$59,151$66,799
Biology$65,224$63,132

ROI Sub-Score Breakdown

ComponentIndiana University-B...University of Minnes...
Earnings Premium (30%)8690
Payback Period (25%)8289
Debt / Earnings (20%)8385
Completion Rate (15%)9093
Repayment Rate (10%)7776
Overall ROI Score8488
Strong Value

The Verdict

It's close. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities edges out Indiana University-Bloomington by 4 points (88 vs 84), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.

Want to personalize these numbers?

The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.

84

Indiana University-Bloomington

Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown

88

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown

Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.