North Hennepin Community College vs Bemidji State University: which has better ROI?
North Hennepin Community College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $24,372 in 8.8 years versus 11.3 years at Bemidji State University, on median earnings of $51,142 vs $53,755 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | North Hennepin Community College | Bemidji State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,186 | $15,261 |
| Total net cost | $24,372 | $61,044 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,142 | $53,755 |
| Median debt | $14,750 | $19,750 |
| Payback | 8.8 yrs | 11.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $31,268 | $46,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, North Hennepin Community College or Bemidji State University?
North Hennepin Community College, at $12,186 a year after aid versus $15,261 — a gap of $3,075 a year, or $36,672 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do North Hennepin Community College or Bemidji State University graduates earn more?
Bemidji State University graduates report a median $53,755 ten years after entry, $2,613 more than the $51,142 at North Hennepin Community College. 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, North Hennepin Community College or Bemidji State University?
North Hennepin Community College: its completers carry a median $14,750 in federal loans versus $19,750 at Bemidji State University, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
48% of students finish at Bemidji State University, against 22% at North Hennepin Community College. 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.