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 gives you a low-cost, modest-return deal. You borrow around $12,000 and earn a median of $45,591 ten years out, so the debt stays smaller than a single year of typical pay. That balance is the school's main strength, and it holds across most of the programs listed.
Nursing is the clear financial winner here. It pays close to $10,000 more per year than the next program, and even with the higher $19,000 debt load, the earnings justify it. Criminal Justice, Vehicle Maintenance, and Computer Programming all land in the mid-$40,000s with debt at or below the school median, so they pay off cleanly. Business is the weak spot on this list: you carry over $18,000 in debt for the lowest earnings of the five, a worse trade than Vehicle Maintenance, which pays more on $12,000 of debt.
The main risk is the 46% graduation rate. More than half of you don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, none of these earnings figures apply to you. Every program here is an associate degree, so the payoff depends on completing and then finding work in the region's healthcare, trades, and public-safety fields.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical or health credential, want to keep borrowing low, and plan to work near Fergus Falls. If you're aiming for a four-year degree or a career this school doesn't train for directly, look elsewhere.
On price by income: if your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $8,000 a year, well below the sticker price. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $15,000. The gap means lower-income families get a meaningfully cheaper deal, and the low overall net price makes the return workable even at the top tier.
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.