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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs Capella University: which has better ROI?

Public, Minneapolis MN · vs · Private for-profit, Minneapolis MN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,112 in 3.2 years versus not at all at Capella University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $42,189 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Minnesota-Twin CitiesCapella University
Net price / yr$16,778$17,956
Total net cost$67,112$71,824
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,020$42,189
Median debt$19,500$14,968
Payback3.2 yrs—
20-year net return$346,088-$195,244

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Capella University?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, at $16,778 a year after aid versus $17,956 — a gap of $1,178 a year, or $4,712 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Capella University graduates earn more?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates report a median $69,020 ten years after entry, $26,831 more than the $42,189 at Capella 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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Capella University?

Capella University: its completers carry a median $14,968 in federal loans versus $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a difference of $4,532. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

85% of students finish at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, against 20% at Capella 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.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs Capella University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Capella University a better value?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. It clears its $67,112 net cost in about 3.2 years versus no clear payback at Capella University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $42,189 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Capella University?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $16,778/yr net price after aid versus $17,956/yr at Capella University — a difference of $1,178 a year, or about $4,712 over four years.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Capella University graduates earn more?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn a median $69,020 ten years after entry, versus $42,189 at Capella University — a $26,831 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.