At $11,274/yr net price, Minnesota State Community and Technical College graduates earn $45,591/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,591/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,274 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,591/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,591/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.4% |
| 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 | $7,717/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,023/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,345/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,867/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,339/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 | $55,026 | $19,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $45,696 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $44,468 | $12,000 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $43,575 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $43,426 | $18,250 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $43,277 | $5,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $41,937 | $5,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,205 | $19,654 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $40,485 | $12,525 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Associate | $39,729 | $14,287 |
The Risk Factor
46.4% of students at Minnesota State Community and Technical 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 State Community and Technical College offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in healthcare but weaker prospects in many other programs. The $11,274 annual cost delivers solid value if you choose the right major, but nearly half of students never graduate.
Registered Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $55,026 annually despite carrying $19,000 in debt. This premium of nearly $10,000 above the school median makes the higher debt load worthwhile. Criminal Justice and Vehicle Maintenance programs also deliver reasonable returns at around $45,000 annually, with auto tech requiring minimal debt at $12,000.
Computer Programming and General Business show weaker returns relative to debt loads. Business graduates carry $18,250 in debt for $43,426 in earnings, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio that limits financial flexibility after graduation.
The 46% graduation rate presents the biggest risk. You face nearly even odds of leaving without a credential, making program selection critical. The low 25% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price, though the modest $12,000 median debt suggests many work through school or attend part-time.
This school works best if you target nursing or skilled trades and can commit to completion. Rural Minnesota's job market supports these programs well. Avoid this school if you're considering liberal arts, undecided about your major, or have a weak academic track record that might derail graduation. Community colleges in Minneapolis or Saint Paul offer more program variety and transfer options for similar costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota State Community and Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of $11,274 per year and median debt of only $12,000, Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers decent value for most students. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Minnesota State Community and Technical College?
Nursing programs at Minnesota State Community and Technical College lead in earnings at $55,026 annually, followed by criminal justice at $45,696. Vehicle maintenance and computer programming also offer solid returns around $44,000 per year.
How much debt do Minnesota State Community and Technical College graduates have?
The median debt for Minnesota State Community and Technical College graduates is $12,000, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load makes the school accessible for most students.
Do Minnesota State Community and Technical College graduates earn good salaries?
Graduates earn a median of $45,591 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Nursing and technical programs perform best, while general business graduates may struggle to justify the investment.