University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs Bemidji State University
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.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead: 88/100 to 60/100, a 28-point edge over Bemidji State University. 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, Bemidji State University runs $15,261 a year against $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - $1,517 more a year, or about $6,068 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 $53,755 at Bemidji State University. The cost earns itself back in 6.1 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and 10.7 years at Bemidji State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Minnesota-Twin Cities owing a median $19,500 versus $19,750 at Bemidji State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.42 and 0.53 - 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
| Metric | University of Minnesota-T... | Bemidji State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,214 | $10,237 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,362 | $10,237 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,778 | $15,261 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $67,112 | $61,044 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,000 | $37,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,020 | $53,755 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3% | 47.9% |
| Payback Period | 6.1 yr | 10.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $19,750 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $209 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.42 | 0.53 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 81.9% | 80.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.5% | 69.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 79.8% | 56.0% |
| Enrollment | 31,855 | 3,139 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Minnes... | Bemidji State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,642 | $10,073 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,283 | $10,207 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,931 | $12,201 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,415 | $15,857 |
| $110,001+ | $27,008 | $19,940 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Minnes... | Bemidji State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $96,109 | $72,153 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $90,284 | $64,086 |
| Registered Nursing | $82,960 | $84,436 |
| Biology | $63,132 | $50,548 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $62,414 | $54,642 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $60,931 | $57,357 |
| Psychology | $58,449 | $49,116 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $56,916 | $49,001 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $54,799 | $47,137 |
| Teacher Education | $53,276 | $44,719 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $50,106 | $45,822 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Minnes... | Bemidji State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 68 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 57 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 85 | 66 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 34 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 76 | 73 |
| Overall ROI Score | 88 | 60 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities clearly outperforms Bemidji State University (88 vs 60), a 28-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Bemidji State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Bemidji State University
Fair 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.