University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs University of Minnesota-Rochester: which has better ROI?
University of Minnesota-Rochester has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $54,976 in 2.7 years versus 3.2 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $69,020 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | University of Minnesota-Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,778 | $13,744 |
| Total net cost | $67,112 | $54,976 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $69,020 | $69,020 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 3.2 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $346,088 | $358,224 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Minnesota-Rochester?
University of Minnesota-Rochester, at $13,744 a year after aid versus $16,778 — a gap of $3,034 a year, or $12,136 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates earn more?
Graduates of both report a median $69,020 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Minnesota-Rochester?
Completers at both borrow a median $19,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
85% of students finish at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, against 57% at University of Minnesota-Rochester. 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.