Minnesota State University-Mankato vs Bethel University: which has better ROI?
Bethel University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,224 in 7.4 years versus 8.9 years at Minnesota State University-Mankato, on median earnings of $63,764 vs $56,922 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Bethel University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,139 | $28,556 |
| Total net cost | $76,556 | $114,224 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,922 | $63,764 |
| Median debt | $21,106 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 7.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,684 | $193,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Bethel University?
Minnesota State University-Mankato, at $19,139 a year after aid versus $28,556 — a gap of $9,417 a year, or $37,668 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 Bethel University graduates earn more?
Bethel University graduates report a median $63,764 ten years after entry, $6,842 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 Bethel University?
Minnesota State University-Mankato: its completers carry a median $21,106 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Bethel University, a difference of $394. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Bethel University, against 54% at Minnesota State University-Mankato. 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.