Southwest Minnesota State University vs University of Northwestern-St Paul: 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 46.3 years at University of Northwestern-St Paul, on median earnings of $51,342 vs $50,755 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southwest Minnesota State University | University of Northwestern-St Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,291 | $27,705 |
| Total net cost | $61,164 | $110,820 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,342 | $50,755 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $21,325 |
| Payback | 20.5 yrs | 46.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$1,524 | -$62,920 |
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 Northwestern-St Paul?
Southwest Minnesota State University, at $15,291 a year after aid versus $27,705 — a gap of $12,414 a year, or $49,656 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 Northwestern-St Paul graduates earn more?
Southwest Minnesota State University graduates report a median $51,342 ten years after entry, $587 more than the $50,755 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. 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 Northwestern-St Paul?
Southwest Minnesota State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,325 at University of Northwestern-St Paul, a difference of $825. 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 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.