Minnesota State University-Mankato vs Bemidji State 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 11.3 years at Bemidji State University, on median earnings of $56,922 vs $53,755 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Bemidji State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,139 | $15,261 |
| Total net cost | $76,556 | $61,044 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,922 | $53,755 |
| Median debt | $21,106 | $19,750 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 11.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,684 | $46,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Bemidji State University?
Bemidji State University, at $15,261 a year after aid versus $19,139 — a gap of $3,878 a year, or $15,512 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 Bemidji State University graduates earn more?
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates report a median $56,922 ten years after entry, $3,167 more than the $53,755 at Bemidji 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, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Bemidji State University?
Bemidji State University: its completers carry a median $19,750 in federal loans versus $21,106 at Minnesota State University-Mankato, a difference of $1,356. 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 48% at Bemidji 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.