Hennepin Technical College vs Southwest Minnesota State University: which has better ROI?
Southwest Minnesota State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,164 in 20.5 years versus 37.4 years at Hennepin Technical College, on median earnings of $51,342 vs $49,460 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Hennepin Technical College | Southwest Minnesota State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,272 | $15,291 |
| Total net cost | $41,088 | $61,164 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,460 | $51,342 |
| Median debt | $11,433 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 37.4 yrs | 20.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$19,088 | -$1,524 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Hennepin Technical College or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Hennepin Technical College, at $10,272 a year after aid versus $15,291 — a gap of $5,019 a year, or $20,076 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 Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn more?
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates report a median $51,342 ten years after entry, $1,882 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 Southwest Minnesota State University?
Hennepin Technical College: its completers carry a median $11,433 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Southwest Minnesota State University, a difference of $9,067. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
45% of students finish at Southwest Minnesota State University, 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.