University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs Minnesota State University-Mankato
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 62/100, a 26-point edge over Minnesota State University-Mankato. 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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities runs $16,778 a year against $19,139 at Minnesota State University-Mankato - $2,361 more a year, or about $9,444 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 $56,922 at Minnesota State University-Mankato. The cost earns itself back in 6.1 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and 9.9 years at Minnesota State University-Mankato.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Minnesota-Twin Cities owing a median $19,500 versus $21,106 at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.42 and 0.54 - 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... | Minnesota State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,214 | $9,572 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,362 | $18,942 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,778 | $19,139 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $67,112 | $76,556 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,000 | $38,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,020 | $56,922 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3% | 53.9% |
| Payback Period | 6.1 yr | 9.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $21,106 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $224 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.42 | 0.54 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 81.9% | 82.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.5% | 77.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 79.8% | 88.4% |
| Enrollment | 31,855 | 11,703 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Minnes... | Minnesota State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,642 | $12,339 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,283 | $12,750 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,931 | $15,137 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,415 | $18,921 |
| $110,001+ | $27,008 | $22,798 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Minnes... | Minnesota State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| International Business | $108,566 | $68,079 |
| Construction Management | $91,947 | $102,090 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $98,279 | $74,852 |
| Electrical Engineering | $97,575 | $85,655 |
| Accounting | $96,109 | $73,726 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $90,284 | $70,486 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,061 | $85,286 |
| Marketing | $86,246 | $68,772 |
| Engineering, General | $86,148 | $82,903 |
| Registered Nursing | $82,960 | $82,429 |
| Economics | $82,488 | $80,795 |
| Civil Engineering | $82,281 | $74,989 |
| Mathematics | $81,864 | $70,257 |
| Dental Support Services | $76,078 | $72,882 |
| Human Resources Management | $74,358 | $59,187 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Minnes... | Minnesota State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 64 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 62 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 85 | 64 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 48 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 76 | 77 |
| Overall ROI Score | 88 | 62 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities clearly outperforms Minnesota State University-Mankato (88 vs 62), a 26-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Minnesota State University-Mankato 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
Minnesota State University-Mankato
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.