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 gives you a solid financial return for a public school, with low debt as its biggest strength. You borrow a median of $17,100 to graduate, which pays back quickly against median earnings above $64,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio is what makes this school work financially, even with a modest net price near $19,000.
Nursing is the clear winner here. You earn close to $77,000 ten years out while carrying the lowest debt of any top program, around $12,500. Computer Science pays well too, with a manageable debt load. If you go into Management Information Systems, the earnings hold up. The riskiest of the top programs is IT Administration and Management, where you borrow the most, over $22,000, for the lowest earnings in the computing group. Liberal Arts and General Studies sits at the bottom for pay, so treat it as a transfer step, not an endpoint.
The real risk at Metro State is finishing. Only 38% of students graduate, and about a quarter don't return after the first year. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome, and it's a live possibility here. The strong salary numbers only apply if you complete the program.
On price, the tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $75,000, you pay around $18,000 or less. Above $75,000, the cost jumps to roughly $22,000, and above $110,000 it climbs past $26,000. Lower-income families get a better deal here in absolute dollars.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or a computing field and can commit to finishing. It's a strong value for working adults and Twin Cities job-seekers. Look elsewhere if you want a residential experience or a major outside health and tech, where the earnings payoff isn't documented.
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.