Minnesota State University-Mankato vs University of Minnesota-Morris: 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 13.8 years at University of Minnesota-Morris, on median earnings of $56,922 vs $50,919 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University-Mankato | University of Minnesota-Morris |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,139 | $8,837 |
| Total net cost | $76,556 | $35,348 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,922 | $50,919 |
| Median debt | $21,106 | $18,995 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 13.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,684 | $15,832 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University-Mankato or University of Minnesota-Morris?
University of Minnesota-Morris, at $8,837 a year after aid versus $19,139 — a gap of $10,302 a year, or $41,208 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 University of Minnesota-Morris graduates earn more?
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates report a median $56,922 ten years after entry, $6,003 more than the $50,919 at University of Minnesota-Morris. 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 University of Minnesota-Morris?
University of Minnesota-Morris: its completers carry a median $18,995 in federal loans versus $21,106 at Minnesota State University-Mankato, a difference of $2,111. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at University of Minnesota-Morris, 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.