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Metropolitan State University vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: which has better ROI?

Public, Saint Paul MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Winona MN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Metropolitan State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,452 in 4.1 years versus 4.8 years at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, on median earnings of $64,705 vs $58,170 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMetropolitan State UniversitySaint Mary's University of Minnesota
Net price / yr$16,863$11,704
Total net cost$67,452$46,816
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,705$58,170
Median debt$17,100$21,500
Payback4.1 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$259,448$149,384

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

Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, at $11,704 a year after aid versus $16,863 — a gap of $5,159 a year, or $20,636 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Metropolitan State University or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates earn more?

Metropolitan State University graduates report a median $64,705 ten years after entry, $6,535 more than the $58,170 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. 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, Metropolitan State University or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Metropolitan State University: its completers carry a median $17,100 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, a difference of $4,400. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

66% of students finish at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, against 44% at Metropolitan 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.

Metropolitan State University vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: frequently asked questions

Is Metropolitan State University or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota a better value?
Metropolitan State University. It clears its $67,452 net cost in about 4.1 years versus 4.8 years at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, on median earnings of $64,705 vs $58,170 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: $11,704/yr net price after aid versus $16,863/yr at Metropolitan State University — a difference of $5,159 a year, or about $20,636 over four years.
Do Metropolitan State University or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates earn more?
Metropolitan State University graduates earn a median $64,705 ten years after entry, versus $58,170 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — a $6,535 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.