Hennepin Technical College vs University of Northwestern-St Paul: which has better ROI?
Hennepin Technical College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $41,088 in 37.4 years versus 46.3 years at University of Northwestern-St Paul, on median earnings of $49,460 vs $50,755 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Hennepin Technical College | University of Northwestern-St Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,272 | $27,705 |
| Total net cost | $41,088 | $110,820 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,460 | $50,755 |
| Median debt | $11,433 | $21,325 |
| Payback | 37.4 yrs | 46.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$19,088 | -$62,920 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Hennepin Technical College or University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Hennepin Technical College, at $10,272 a year after aid versus $27,705 — a gap of $17,433 a year, or $69,732 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates earn more?
University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates report a median $50,755 ten years after entry, $1,295 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Hennepin Technical College: its completers carry a median $11,433 in federal loans versus $21,325 at University of Northwestern-St Paul, a difference of $9,892. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at University of Northwestern-St Paul, 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.