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Herzing University-Minneapolis vs Bethany Lutheran College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, St. Louis Park MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Mankato MN

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Bethany Lutheran College comes closer — median earnings $46,110 against a $80,592 total, vs $36,909 at Herzing University-Minneapolis. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHerzing University-MinneapolisBethany Lutheran College
Net price / yr$16,670$20,148
Total net cost$66,680$80,592
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,909$46,110
Median debt$21,500$23,000
Payback
20-year net return-$295,700-$125,592

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Herzing University-Minneapolis or Bethany Lutheran College?

Herzing University-Minneapolis, at $16,670 a year after aid versus $20,148 — a gap of $3,478 a year, or $13,912 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Herzing University-Minneapolis or Bethany Lutheran College graduates earn more?

Bethany Lutheran College graduates report a median $46,110 ten years after entry, $9,201 more than the $36,909 at Herzing University-Minneapolis. 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, Herzing University-Minneapolis or Bethany Lutheran College?

Herzing University-Minneapolis: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Bethany Lutheran College, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Bethany Lutheran College, against 47% at Herzing University-Minneapolis. 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.

Herzing University-Minneapolis vs Bethany Lutheran College: frequently asked questions

Is Herzing University-Minneapolis or Bethany Lutheran College a better value?
Bethany Lutheran College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Herzing University-Minneapolis or Bethany Lutheran College?
Herzing University-Minneapolis: $16,670/yr net price after aid versus $20,148/yr at Bethany Lutheran College — a difference of $3,478 a year, or about $13,912 over four years.
Do Herzing University-Minneapolis or Bethany Lutheran College graduates earn more?
Bethany Lutheran College graduates earn a median $46,110 ten years after entry, versus $36,909 at Herzing University-Minneapolis — a $9,201 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.