Minnesota State University-Mankato vs Augsburg University: which has better ROI?
Minnesota State University-Mankato has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $76,556 in 8.9 years versus 9.1 years at Augsburg University, on median earnings of $56,922 vs $58,829 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Augsburg University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,139 | $23,873 |
| Total net cost | $76,556 | $95,492 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,922 | $58,829 |
| Median debt | $21,106 | $25,347 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 9.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,684 | $113,888 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Augsburg University?
Minnesota State University-Mankato, at $19,139 a year after aid versus $23,873 — a gap of $4,734 a year, or $18,936 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Minnesota State University-Mankato or Augsburg University graduates earn more?
Augsburg University graduates report a median $58,829 ten years after entry, $1,907 more than the $56,922 at Minnesota State University-Mankato. 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, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Augsburg University?
Minnesota State University-Mankato: its completers carry a median $21,106 in federal loans versus $25,347 at Augsburg University, a difference of $4,241. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Minnesota State University-Mankato, against 52% at Augsburg 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.