Minnesota State University-Mankato vs Walden 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 not at all at Walden University, on median earnings of $56,922 vs $42,810 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Walden University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,139 | $33,817 |
| Total net cost | $76,556 | $135,268 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,922 | $42,810 |
| Median debt | $21,106 | $20,834 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $94,684 | -$246,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University-Mankato or Walden University?
Minnesota State University-Mankato, at $19,139 a year after aid versus $33,817 — a gap of $14,678 a year, or $58,712 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 Walden University graduates earn more?
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates report a median $56,922 ten years after entry, $14,112 more than the $42,810 at Walden 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 Walden University?
Walden University: its completers carry a median $20,834 in federal loans versus $21,106 at Minnesota State University-Mankato, a difference of $272. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.