Minnesota State University Moorhead vs Northwestern Health Sciences University: which has better ROI?
Minnesota State University Moorhead has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,988 in 33.2 years versus 234.6 years at Northwestern Health Sciences University, on median earnings of $50,527 vs $48,666 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Northwestern Health Sciences University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,997 | $35,887 |
| Total net cost | $71,988 | $71,774 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,527 | $48,666 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $7,500 |
| Payback | 33.2 yrs | 234.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$28,648 | -$65,654 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University Moorhead or Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Minnesota State University Moorhead, at $17,997 a year after aid versus $35,887 — a gap of $17,890 a year, or $214 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 Moorhead or Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates earn more?
Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates report a median $50,527 ten years after entry, $1,861 more than the $48,666 at Northwestern Health Sciences 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 Moorhead or Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Northwestern Health Sciences University: its completers carry a median $7,500 in federal loans versus $20,000 at Minnesota State University Moorhead, a difference of $12,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
57% of students finish at Minnesota State University Moorhead, against 0% at Northwestern Health Sciences University. 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.