Minnesota State University-Mankato vs North Hennepin Community College: which has better ROI?
North Hennepin Community College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $24,372 in 8.8 years versus 8.9 years at Minnesota State University-Mankato, on median earnings of $51,142 vs $56,922 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University-Mankato | North Hennepin Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,139 | $12,186 |
| Total net cost | $76,556 | $24,372 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,922 | $51,142 |
| Median debt | $21,106 | $14,750 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 8.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,684 | $31,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University-Mankato or North Hennepin Community College?
North Hennepin Community College, at $12,186 a year after aid versus $19,139 — a gap of $6,953 a year, or $52,184 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 North Hennepin Community College graduates earn more?
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates report a median $56,922 ten years after entry, $5,780 more than the $51,142 at North Hennepin 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 North Hennepin Community College?
North Hennepin Community College: its completers carry a median $14,750 in federal loans versus $21,106 at Minnesota State University-Mankato, a difference of $6,356. 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 22% at North Hennepin 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.