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Minnesota State University Moorhead vs Southwest Minnesota State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Moorhead MN · vs · Public, Marshall MN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Southwest Minnesota State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,164 in 20.5 years versus 33.2 years at Minnesota State University Moorhead, on median earnings of $51,342 vs $50,527 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMinnesota State University MoorheadSouthwest Minnesota State University
Net price / yr$17,997$15,291
Total net cost$71,988$61,164
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,527$51,342
Median debt$20,000$20,500
Payback33.2 yrs20.5 yrs
20-year net return-$28,648-$1,524

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University Moorhead or Southwest Minnesota State University?

Southwest Minnesota State University, at $15,291 a year after aid versus $17,997 — a gap of $2,706 a year, or $10,824 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 Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn more?

Southwest Minnesota State University graduates report a median $51,342 ten years after entry, $815 more than the $50,527 at Minnesota State University Moorhead. 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 Southwest Minnesota State University?

Minnesota State University Moorhead: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Southwest Minnesota State University, a difference of $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 45% at Southwest Minnesota State 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.

Minnesota State University Moorhead vs Southwest Minnesota State University: frequently asked questions

Is Minnesota State University Moorhead or Southwest Minnesota State University a better value?
Southwest Minnesota State University. It clears its $61,164 net cost in about 20.5 years versus 33.2 years at Minnesota State University Moorhead, on median earnings of $51,342 vs $50,527 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University Moorhead or Southwest Minnesota State University?
Southwest Minnesota State University: $15,291/yr net price after aid versus $17,997/yr at Minnesota State University Moorhead — a difference of $2,706 a year, or about $10,824 over four years.
Do Minnesota State University Moorhead or Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn more?
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates earn a median $51,342 ten years after entry, versus $50,527 at Minnesota State University Moorhead — a $815 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.