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

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

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 Walden University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $42,810 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Minnesota-Twin CitiesWalden University
Net price / yr$16,778$33,817
Total net cost$67,112$135,268
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,020$42,810
Median debt$19,500$20,834
Payback3.2 yrs
20-year net return$346,088-$246,268

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

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

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, at $16,778 a year after aid versus $33,817 — a gap of $17,039 a year, or $68,156 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 Walden University graduates earn more?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates report a median $69,020 ten years after entry, $26,210 more than the $42,810 at Walden 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 Walden University?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,834 at Walden University, a difference of $1,334. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

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

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Walden 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 Walden University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $42,810 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Walden University?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $16,778/yr net price after aid versus $33,817/yr at Walden University — a difference of $17,039 a year, or about $68,156 over four years.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Walden University graduates earn more?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn a median $69,020 ten years after entry, versus $42,810 at Walden University — a $26,210 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.