Southwest Minnesota State University vs University of Minnesota-Morris: which has better ROI?
University of Minnesota-Morris has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $35,348 in 13.8 years versus 20.5 years at Southwest Minnesota State University, on median earnings of $50,919 vs $51,342 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southwest Minnesota State University | University of Minnesota-Morris |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,291 | $8,837 |
| Total net cost | $61,164 | $35,348 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,342 | $50,919 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,995 |
| Payback | 20.5 yrs | 13.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$1,524 | $15,832 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southwest Minnesota State University or University of Minnesota-Morris?
University of Minnesota-Morris, at $8,837 a year after aid versus $15,291 — a gap of $6,454 a year, or $25,816 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 University of Minnesota-Morris graduates earn more?
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates report a median $51,342 ten years after entry, $423 more than the $50,919 at University of Minnesota-Morris. 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 University of Minnesota-Morris?
University of Minnesota-Morris: its completers carry a median $18,995 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Southwest Minnesota State University, a difference of $1,505. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at University of Minnesota-Morris, 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.