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

Public, Minneapolis MN · vs · Public, Saint Paul 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 4.1 years at Metropolitan State University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $64,705 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMetropolitan State University
Net price / yr$16,778$16,863
Total net cost$67,112$67,452
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,020$64,705
Median debt$19,500$17,100
Payback3.2 yrs4.1 yrs
20-year net return$346,088$259,448

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

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

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, at $16,778 a year after aid versus $16,863 — a gap of $85 a year, or $340 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 Metropolitan State University graduates earn more?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates report a median $69,020 ten years after entry, $4,315 more than the $64,705 at Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University?

Metropolitan State University: its completers carry a median $17,100 in federal loans versus $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a difference of $2,400. 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 44% at Metropolitan 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.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs Metropolitan State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Metropolitan State University a better value?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. It clears its $67,112 net cost in about 3.2 years versus 4.1 years at Metropolitan State University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $64,705 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Metropolitan State University?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $16,778/yr net price after aid versus $16,863/yr at Metropolitan State University — a difference of $85 a year, or about $340 over four years.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Metropolitan State University graduates earn more?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn a median $69,020 ten years after entry, versus $64,705 at Metropolitan State University — a $4,315 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.