At $18,609/yr net price, Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates earn $56,922/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,922/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,609 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,436 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,922/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,922/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,106 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,920/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,568/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,200/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,870/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,860/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. | Master | $104,749 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,719 | $32,314 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $68,047 | $20,290 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,079 | $13,225 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $23,562 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $63,302 | $13,936 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $61,303 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $61,064 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,771 |
The Risk Factor
54.1% of students at Minnesota State University-Mankato 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 University-Mankato delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $56,922 keeping pace with the $18,609 annual net price. Your debt load stays manageable at $21,106, making this a financially sensible choice for middle-class families.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Business administration and computer science also deliver strong returns relative to typical debt loads. Educational administration pays well but requires significantly higher borrowing at $32,314, making it riskier unless you secure additional funding.
The school's 54% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their degree, keeping their debt but losing the earnings boost that justifies the investment. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career direction, consider starting at a community college first.
Minnesota State-Mankato works best for students who know they want nursing, business, or computer science and can handle the academic demands. The regional job market in southern Minnesota supports these graduates well. However, only 20% of students receive need-based aid, so middle-income families get limited help with costs.
If you need extensive financial aid or want programs outside the top-earning majors, explore other options. The school offers decent value but won't transform weak academic preparation into strong career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota State University-Mankato worth the cost?
With a net price of $18,609 and 10-year earnings of $56,922, MSU Mankato offers reasonable value for a public university. However, the 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree.
What are the best paying programs at Minnesota State University-Mankato?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning over $100,000, followed by educational administration at $78,719 and business management at $76,460. Computer science graduates earn $68,047, making these four programs the clear winners for return on investment.
How much debt do Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $21,106, which is manageable compared to the national average. This debt level is reasonable given the school's net price and typical starting salaries for graduates.
Does Minnesota State University-Mankato have good financial aid?
The net price of $18,609 suggests decent financial aid for a public university, though this varies significantly by family income. Students should verify their specific aid package before enrolling, as the 70% acceptance rate means admission is likely but aid isn't guaranteed.