At $17,816/yr net price, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn $50,527/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,527/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,816 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,527/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,527/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,260/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,969/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,544/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,410/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,573/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,325 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,865 | $12,500 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $64,865 | $14,748 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,402 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $53,775 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $51,690 | $15,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,823 | $19,972 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,600 | $40,116 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,265 | $19,684 |
The Risk Factor
54.6% of students at Minnesota State University Moorhead 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 Moorhead gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major. The median $20,000 debt against $50,527 in earnings ten years out puts you in workable territory, and that debt load stays below one year of median pay. The problem is the spread between what different programs actually deliver.
Computer Science, Nursing, and Construction Management are the winners here. Nursing pairs its $64,865 earnings with just $12,500 in debt, the best debt-to-pay ratio on the list, which makes sense given the steady demand for nurses across the Fargo-Moorhead region and rural Minnesota hospitals. Computer Science tops earnings at $66,325. Construction Management matches nursing's pay with modest debt, and the regional building market supports those jobs.
Accounting and Sociology are where the math turns against you. Sociology graduates carry $26,000 in debt, more than double nursing's, while earning $45,500. That combination is the worst on this list. Accounting fares slightly better but still leaves you with $17,750 in debt against sub-$47,000 pay. Avoid these if debt worries you.
The main risk is completion. A 54.6% graduation rate and 72.44% retention mean a real chance you leave with debt and no degree, which erases any return. The net price tiers reward lower-income families: you pay around $13,000 if your family earns under $48k, but that jumps past $21,000 once you clear $110k.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing, computer science, or construction management and qualify for the lower net-price tiers. Look elsewhere if you're set on sociology or accounting, or if you're not confident you'll finish, since the completion odds here are close to a coin flip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota State University Moorhead worth the cost?
With a net price of $17,816 per year and median debt of $20,000, Minnesota State University Moorhead offers reasonable value for students who graduate. However, the 54.6% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree, making completion critical for ROI.
What are the highest paying majors at Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Computer Science leads at $66,325 annually, followed by Nursing and Construction Management at $64,865 each. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall average of $50,527 and justify the investment better than other majors.
How much student debt do Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have?
The median debt is $20,000, which is manageable compared to many four-year schools. With graduates earning $50,527 on average, most can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does Minnesota State University Moorhead have a good return on investment?
The ROI depends heavily on your major and whether you graduate. Students in Computer Science, Nursing, or Construction Management see strong returns, while the below-average graduation rate of 54.6% creates significant risk for those who don't finish.