Hennepin Technical College vs Minnesota State University Moorhead: which has better ROI?
Minnesota State University Moorhead has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,988 in 33.2 years versus 37.4 years at Hennepin Technical College, on median earnings of $50,527 vs $49,460 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Hennepin Technical College | Minnesota State University Moorhead |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,272 | $17,997 |
| Total net cost | $41,088 | $71,988 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,460 | $50,527 |
| Median debt | $11,433 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 37.4 yrs | 33.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$19,088 | -$28,648 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Hennepin Technical College or Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Hennepin Technical College, at $10,272 a year after aid versus $17,997 — a gap of $7,725 a year, or $30,900 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Hennepin Technical College or Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn more?
Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates report a median $50,527 ten years after entry, $1,067 more than the $49,460 at Hennepin Technical College. 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, Hennepin Technical College or Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Hennepin Technical College: its completers carry a median $11,433 in federal loans versus $20,000 at Minnesota State University Moorhead, a difference of $8,567. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
57% of students finish at Minnesota State University Moorhead, against 42% at Hennepin Technical College. 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.