The cost of college in Minnesota — and what it pays back
Across the 68 Minnesota institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $16,821/yr, $85 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $49,427 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 36 of the 68 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$16,821
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$49,427
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
7.3 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
36/68
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Minnesota's 68 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong9
Solid17
Slow4
Weak38
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Rochester | $13,744 | $69,020 | 2.7 yrs |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $16,778 | $69,020 | 3.2 yrs |
| Saint Johns University | $25,672 | $76,786 | 3.6 yrs |
| Carleton College | $25,407 | $75,525 | 3.7 yrs |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | $26,939 | $61,511 | 4.1 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverland Community College | $7,427 | $45,247 | no payback |
| University of Minnesota-Morris | $8,837 | $50,919 | 13.8 yrs |
| South Central College | $9,082 | $45,068 | no payback |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | $9,635 | $46,874 | no payback |
| Ridgewater College | $10,046 | $43,827 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Minnesota?
The median net price across Minnesota colleges is $16,821/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Minnesota cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $16,821/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $85/yr less.
What do Minnesota college graduates earn?
A median $49,427 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Minnesota college pays for itself fastest?
University of Minnesota-Rochester — about 2.7 years to clear its $54,976 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-minnesota page.