Metropolitan State University vs University of Minnesota-Rochester: which has better ROI?
University of Minnesota-Rochester has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $54,976 in 2.7 years versus 4.1 years at Metropolitan State University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $64,705 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Metropolitan State University | University of Minnesota-Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,863 | $13,744 |
| Total net cost | $67,452 | $54,976 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,705 | $69,020 |
| Median debt | $17,100 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 4.1 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $259,448 | $358,224 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University or University of Minnesota-Rochester?
University of Minnesota-Rochester, at $13,744 a year after aid versus $16,863 — a gap of $3,119 a year, or $12,476 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates earn more?
University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates report a median $69,020 ten years after entry, $4,315 more than the $64,705 at Metropolitan State University. 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester?
Metropolitan State University: its completers carry a median $17,100 in federal loans versus $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Rochester, a difference of $2,400. 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester, 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.