Augsburg University vs Southwest Minnesota State University: which has better ROI?
Augsburg University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,492 in 9.1 years versus 20.5 years at Southwest Minnesota State University, on median earnings of $58,829 vs $51,342 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Augsburg University | Southwest Minnesota State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,873 | $15,291 |
| Total net cost | $95,492 | $61,164 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,829 | $51,342 |
| Median debt | $25,347 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 9.1 yrs | 20.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $113,888 | -$1,524 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Augsburg University or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University, at $15,291 a year after aid versus $23,873 — a gap of $8,582 a year, or $34,328 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Augsburg University or Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn more?
Augsburg University graduates report a median $58,829 ten years after entry, $7,487 more than the $51,342 at Southwest Minnesota State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Augsburg University or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $25,347 at Augsburg University, a difference of $4,847. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
52% of students finish at Augsburg University, against 45% at Southwest Minnesota State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.