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

Public, Minneapolis MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Collegeville 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 3.6 years at Saint Johns University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $76,786 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Minnesota-Twin CitiesSaint Johns University
Net price / yr$16,778$25,672
Total net cost$67,112$102,688
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,020$76,786
Median debt$19,500$27,000
Payback3.2 yrs3.6 yrs
20-year net return$346,088$465,832

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

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

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, at $16,778 a year after aid versus $25,672 — a gap of $8,894 a year, or $35,576 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 Saint Johns University graduates earn more?

Saint Johns University graduates report a median $76,786 ten years after entry, $7,766 more than the $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 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 Saint Johns University?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Saint Johns University, a difference of $7,500. 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 75% at Saint Johns 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 Saint Johns University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University a better value?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. It clears its $67,112 net cost in about 3.2 years versus 3.6 years at Saint Johns University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $76,786 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $16,778/yr net price after aid versus $25,672/yr at Saint Johns University — a difference of $8,894 a year, or about $35,576 over four years.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University graduates earn more?
Saint Johns University graduates earn a median $76,786 ten years after entry, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — a $7,766 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.