Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota · Public · 88.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 62/100 · Fair Value
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,572/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $18,942/yr |
| Average net price | $19,139/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $76,556 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,922 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,800 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,106 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $224 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 53.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,703 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,339 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,750 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,137 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,921 |
| $110,001+ | $22,798 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Minnesota State University-Mankato with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $82,429 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,486 | C+ |
| Psychology | $52,859 | C |
| Marketing | $68,772 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,506 | D |
| Air Transportation | $103,858 | C+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $74,852 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $64,585 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $48,632 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $95,398 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Minnesota State University-Mankato is $9,572/year ($18,942/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $19,139/year, or roughly $76,556 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,339/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,798/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,106 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $224 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $56,922 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.54 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 78.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 83.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 88.4% |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-25 |
| Enrollment | 11,703 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 21.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,257 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University-Mankato (this school) | 62 | $19,139 | $56,922 |
| Metropolitan State University | 72 | $16,863 | $64,705 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | 64 | $13,441 | $53,909 |
| University of Houston-Downtown | 62 | $10,542 | $53,551 |
| Bemidji State University | 60 | $15,261 | $53,755 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 55 | $18,749 | $54,501 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Minnesota State University-Mankato offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $19,139 per year leads to $76,556 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $56,922 a decade out. The payback period of 9.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,106 against $56,922 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.