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Minnesota's most affordable finance programs reveal a striking pattern where public universities dominate the lower cost tiers, with University of Minnesota-Crookston leading at just $10,874 net price. The earnings gap tells an equally compelling story, as graduates from the Twin Cities campus earn $64,659 annually while those from other state schools average around $45,000. This disparity reflects Minnesota's concentrated financial sector, where companies like UnitedHealth Group and Target Corporation create high-paying opportunities primarily in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area. Public institutions charge between $9,490 and $16,488 in-state tuition, making them accessible entry points into finance careers. Meanwhile, private options like Saint Mary's University cost significantly more at $43,160 but still produce graduates earning around $50,856. The Minnesota State Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students across all institution types.
21
Programs
$10,874 – $30,525
Net Price Range
$50,390
Avg. Program Earnings
59.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
2 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
3 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
4 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
5 $17,566 $25,000 58.8% 69.1%
6 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
7 $18,148 $10,498 60.9% 73.8%
8 $18,305 $14,436 33.3%
9 $18,464 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
10 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
11 $19,071 $10,899 53.2%
12 $19,181 $9,780 38.4% 81.7%
13 $21,034 $43,160 67.7% 96.8%
14 $21,385 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
15 $23,574 $29,460 63.6% 90.8%
16 $23,875 $43,942 52.4% 76.5%
17 $23,949 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
18 $25,140 $36,830 68.4% 92.5%
19 $25,651 $30,020 71.8% 65.5%
20 $28,439 $42,930 75.2% 72.5%
21 $30,525 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000 earnings difference between finance graduates in Minnesota?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $64,659 annually compared to $43,240 at Minnesota State University Moorhead, reflecting geographic concentration of high-paying finance jobs. The Twin Cities metro hosts major corporate headquarters like UnitedHealth Group and Target, creating premium salary opportunities. Regional campuses often serve local banking and credit union markets where compensation ranges are lower. This earnings gap of over $21,000 annually can significantly impact career trajectory and loan repayment strategies.

How do public university costs compare to private options for finance degrees?

Public universities in Minnesota charge between $9,490 and $16,488 for in-state tuition, while private institutions range from $25,000 to $48,311. Saint Cloud State University offers the lowest in-state rate at $10,117, compared to Hamline University's $48,311 sticker price. However, financial aid can narrow this gap, with some private schools showing net prices around $21,000 after scholarships. Public options provide clear cost advantages for Minnesota residents pursuing finance education.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Minnesota finance programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with University of Minnesota-Twin Cities achieving 84.80% at $17,139 net cost. In contrast, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates just 44.10% of finance students despite costing only $14,760. Private institutions like Saint Mary's University post 67.70% graduation rates but charge significantly more. The pattern suggests that program selectivity and resources, rather than just affordability, influence completion rates.

Where do finance graduates find the best debt-to-earnings ratios in Minnesota?

University of Minnesota-Crookston offers the most favorable ratio with $12,750 average debt and $48,849 earnings, creating manageable repayment scenarios. Metropolitan State University graduates carry $18,750 debt against $45,891 earnings, also providing reasonable financial outcomes. Conversely, Saint Mary's University graduates face $27,000 debt loads, though their $50,856 earnings help offset higher borrowing. Most public university graduates maintain debt levels below $22,000, supporting sustainable career starts.

Is admission competitive for affordable finance programs in Minnesota?

Most affordable options maintain accessible admission standards, with Saint Cloud State University accepting 95.28% of applicants while charging just $10,117 in-state. Southwest Minnesota State University accepts 91.59% of students at similarly low costs. However, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts only 74.91% of applicants, reflecting higher selectivity for the state's top-earning program. The majority of public institutions accept over 70% of applicants, making quality finance education broadly accessible.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.