Minnesota State University Moorhead vs University of Northwestern-St Paul: 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 46.3 years at University of Northwestern-St Paul, on median earnings of $50,527 vs $50,755 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minnesota State University Moorhead | University of Northwestern-St Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,997 | $27,705 |
| Total net cost | $71,988 | $110,820 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,527 | $50,755 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $21,325 |
| Payback | 33.2 yrs | 46.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$28,648 | -$62,920 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota State University Moorhead or University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Minnesota State University Moorhead, at $17,997 a year after aid versus $27,705 — a gap of $9,708 a year, or $38,832 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates earn more?
University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates report a median $50,755 ten years after entry, $228 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Minnesota State University Moorhead: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $21,325 at University of Northwestern-St Paul, a difference of $1,325. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at University of Northwestern-St Paul, against 57% at Minnesota State University Moorhead. 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.