At $15,548/yr net price, Minnesota State College Southeast graduates earn $43,613/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,613/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,548 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,613/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,613/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,971 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,307/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,296/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,650/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,058/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,774/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 | $57,544 | $20,752 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $53,775 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $46,087 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,189 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $39,009 | $9,500 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,060 | $13,935 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $31,423 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $31,314 |
The Risk Factor
51.3% of students at Minnesota State College Southeast 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 State College Southeast delivers solid returns for specific career tracks, though your program choice determines whether you'll see strong financial gains or struggle to justify the investment. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,544 annually, making it one of the better-paying associate degree options in Minnesota despite carrying $20,752 in debt.
Your best financial bets are healthcare and skilled trades. Allied health diagnostic programs also crack $50,000 in earnings, while transportation and drafting programs hover around $44,000 to $46,000. Precision metalworking graduates earn less at $39,009 but carry minimal debt at $9,500, creating a reasonable payoff timeline.
The school's 51% graduation rate creates risk for your investment. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher wages in these fields. The relatively low aid percentage of 22% means most students pay close to full price, though the $15,548 annual cost remains manageable compared to four-year options.
This school works best if you're targeting specific technical careers with clear local demand in southeastern Minnesota's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The short program length and moderate debt load make sense for career changers or those entering the workforce quickly. Skip this option if you're unsure about your career direction or considering programs outside the top-earning fields, as weaker programs don't justify even this modest investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota State College Southeast worth the money?
Minnesota State College Southeast offers decent value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning $57,544 annually against relatively low debt of $12,971. However, the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which increases financial risk.
What programs at Minnesota State College Southeast have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $57,544 compared to the $15,548 annual cost. Allied health programs also perform well at $53,775 in earnings, while other technical programs like transportation and metalworking offer more modest returns.
How much debt do Minnesota State College Southeast graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $12,971, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. This low debt load helps improve the overall financial picture, especially for nursing and healthcare graduates who earn higher salaries.
What are the job prospects after Minnesota State College Southeast?
Healthcare graduates face strong job markets with nursing roles paying $57,544 annually. Technical programs like transportation ($46,087) and drafting ($44,189) offer steady but more modest earning potential in Minnesota's job market.