At $10,636/yr net price, Minnesota North College graduates earn $45,570/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,570/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,636 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,544 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,570/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,570/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,387/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,001/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,981/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,915/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,002/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. | Associate | $56,641 | $13,427 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $46,087 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,789 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $39,369 | $12,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $28,236 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,774 | $5,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,532 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.9% of students at Minnesota North College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Minnesota North College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths, but your program choice makes all the difference. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,641 annually against just $13,427 in debt, creating one of the strongest ROI profiles among Minnesota community colleges.
Heavy equipment maintenance and electrical power transmission programs also generate decent returns, aligning well with the Iron Range's industrial job market. However, criminal justice graduates earn $37,208, which barely justifies even the low debt levels typical here.
The school's biggest financial risk is its 42% graduation rate. You face real odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This risk hits hardest if you're unprepared for the academic demands or lack clear career direction.
Minnesota North works best financially if you're committed to healthcare, skilled trades, or technical fields where local demand runs high. The $10,636 annual cost keeps debt manageable even if you need extra time to complete programs.
You should look elsewhere if you want business, liberal arts, or other fields poorly represented here. The limited program selection means fewer backup options if your first choice doesn't work out.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, suggesting many pay full price. Merit scholarships are limited, so treat the sticker price as what you'll likely pay. Your best cost strategy involves completing quickly in a high-demand program, particularly nursing or industrial maintenance where regional employers actively recruit graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota North College worth the cost?
Minnesota North College offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $10,636 per year and modest debt loads averaging $12,000. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Minnesota North College?
Nursing programs at Minnesota North College lead earnings at $56,641 annually, followed by heavy equipment maintenance at $46,087. Criminal justice graduates earn considerably less at $37,208, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Minnesota North College graduates typically have?
Minnesota North College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. The low debt burden helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings of $45,570.
What is the job market like for Minnesota North College graduates?
Minnesota North College graduates earn $45,570 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average. The strongest job prospects are in healthcare and skilled trades, particularly nursing and equipment maintenance programs.