Southwest Minnesota State University vs Northwestern Health Sciences University: which has better ROI?
Southwest Minnesota State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,164 in 20.5 years versus 234.6 years at Northwestern Health Sciences University, on median earnings of $51,342 vs $48,666 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southwest Minnesota State University | Northwestern Health Sciences University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,291 | $35,887 |
| Total net cost | $61,164 | $71,774 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,342 | $48,666 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $7,500 |
| Payback | 20.5 yrs | 234.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$1,524 | -$65,654 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southwest Minnesota State University or Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Southwest Minnesota State University, at $15,291 a year after aid versus $35,887 — a gap of $20,596 a year, or $10,610 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Southwest Minnesota State University or Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates earn more?
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates report a median $51,342 ten years after entry, $2,676 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, Southwest Minnesota State University or Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Northwestern Health Sciences University: its completers carry a median $7,500 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Southwest Minnesota State University, a difference of $13,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
45% of students finish at Southwest Minnesota State University, 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.