At $19,181/yr net price, Metropolitan State University graduates earn $64,705/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,705/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,181 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,705/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,705/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,100 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,714/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,480/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,128/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,145/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,057/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,998 | $12,541 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $68,821 | $19,287 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,131 | $38,159 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $63,005 | $50,693 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $62,012 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $22,786 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $54,713 | $16,499 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $17,640 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $52,107 |
The Risk Factor
38.4% of students at Metropolitan State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Metropolitan State University delivers weak overall financial returns despite its affordable sticker price. The 38% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without finishing your degree, while the $64,705 median earnings barely justify the investment for many students.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $77,000 annually and carrying just $12,541 in debt. Computer Science also performs well at $68,821 in earnings, though debt loads vary widely. Business Administration graduates face a concerning disconnect between $65,131 earnings and $38,159 in debt, making the math questionable for this popular major.
The low graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk here. With nearly two-thirds of students failing to complete their degrees, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 73% retention rate suggests many students struggle early and transfer elsewhere.
This school works best for older, part-time students who can leverage its flexible scheduling while working full-time. The urban Twin Cities location provides job opportunities that can offset moderate earnings for local graduates. If you're a traditional college-age student seeking a typical campus experience, look elsewhere.
Only 44% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited grant assistance. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize costs and debt accumulation. Consider starting at a community college and transferring to reduce total expenses, especially for programs outside nursing and computer science where the return on investment remains questionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metropolitan State University worth the cost?
Metropolitan State University offers reasonable value with a net price of $19,181 and 10-year earnings of $64,705. However, the 38% graduation rate creates significant risk that you may not complete your degree and see returns on your investment.
What are the best paying majors at Metropolitan State University?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Metropolitan State University, with some tracks reaching $77,000 annually. Computer Science ($68,821) and Business Administration ($65,131) also provide solid returns above the school average.
How much debt do Metropolitan State University graduates have?
Metropolitan State University graduates carry a median debt of $17,100, which is manageable compared to many schools. This lower debt load helps improve the overall return on investment for students who complete their degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Metropolitan State University?
Only 38% of students graduate from Metropolitan State University, meaning most students leave without a degree. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering whether the school is worth the investment.