University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs University of Colorado Boulder
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 80/100, a 8-point edge over University of Colorado Boulder. 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 $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - $8,568 more a year, or about $34,272 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median $69,738 against $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The cost earns itself back in 6.1 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Colorado Boulder owing a median $19,500 versus $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.42 and 0.46 - 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... | University of Colorado Bo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,214 | $15,666 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,362 | $44,918 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,778 | $25,346 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $67,112 | $101,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,000 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,020 | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3% | 74.2% |
| Payback Period | 6.1 yr | 6.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.42 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 81.9% | 82.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.5% | 77.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 79.8% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 31,855 | 31,939 |
| SAT Range | 1300-1500 | 1240-1430 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Minnes... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,642 | $14,231 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,283 | $14,381 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,931 | $18,828 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,415 | $26,915 |
| $110,001+ | $27,008 | $34,818 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Minnes... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $111,661 | $121,952 |
| Computer Engineering | $119,781 | $115,181 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $92,422 | $116,350 |
| Electrical Engineering | $97,575 | $100,631 |
| Chemical Engineering | $92,946 | $95,780 |
| Civil Engineering | $82,281 | $94,960 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,061 | $93,073 |
| Mathematics | $81,864 | $90,635 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $90,284 | $86,441 |
| Economics | $82,488 | $73,319 |
| Environmental Engineering | $74,252 | $82,020 |
| Physics | $80,025 | $75,764 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $60,270 | $72,306 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $59,568 | $71,942 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $64,629 | $71,444 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Minnes... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 85 | 80 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 76 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 88 | 80 |
The Verdict
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the clearly stronger ROI here (88 vs 80) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if University of Colorado Boulder is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Colorado Boulder
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.