Minnesota State University-Mankato vs Normandale Community College: 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 14 years at Normandale Community College, on median earnings of $56,922 vs $50,207 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Normandale Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,139 | $12,972 |
| Total net cost | $76,556 | $25,944 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,922 | $50,207 |
| Median debt | $21,106 | $12,000 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 14 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,684 | $10,996 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Normandale Community College?
Normandale Community College, at $12,972 a year after aid versus $19,139 — a gap of $6,167 a year, or $50,612 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 Normandale Community College graduates earn more?
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates report a median $56,922 ten years after entry, $6,715 more than the $50,207 at Normandale Community College. 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 Normandale Community College?
Normandale Community College: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $21,106 at Minnesota State University-Mankato, a difference of $9,106. 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 27% at Normandale Community College. 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.