At $18,464/yr net price, University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates earn $62,616/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,616/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,464 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,856 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,616/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,616/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,024 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,393/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,919/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,619/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,262/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,658/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,940 | $24,962 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $24,382 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $24,295 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $61,218 | $25,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $21,500 |
| Statistics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $21,600 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $56,979 | $23,379 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,244 | $21,800 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,651 | $25,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
64.5% of students at University of Minnesota-Duluth graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Minnesota-Duluth delivers solid financial returns for STEM students but weaker outcomes for liberal arts majors. The engineering programs justify their costs, with mechanical and electrical engineering graduates earning around $65,000 annually against manageable debt loads under $25,000.
Your strongest financial bets are the engineering disciplines and computer science. These programs tap into Minnesota's manufacturing and tech sectors, where UMD has established regional employer relationships. Chemical engineering particularly benefits from the area's industrial base along Lake Superior.
The school's biggest financial risk is its 64% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you carry debt without the degree premium. The 81% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year, often due to the demanding STEM coursework that drives the best outcomes.
UMD works best financially if you're Minnesota resident pursuing engineering or computer science. Out-of-state students face much higher costs that the earnings data doesn't justify. Liberal arts majors should consider whether the regional job market in Duluth supports their career goals, as opportunities outside STEM are more limited.
Financial aid is lean here, with only 18% of students receiving aid. Merit scholarships exist but are competitive. Your best cost strategy is establishing Minnesota residency if possible, as the in-state tuition keeps the net price reasonable for engineering students who complete their degrees.
Skip UMD if you're undecided about major or leaning toward non-STEM fields. The school's value proposition depends heavily on completing one of its strong technical programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Minnesota-Duluth worth the cost?
UMD offers decent value with a net price of $18,464 and 10-year earnings of $62,616, but the 64.5% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish. Engineering and computer science programs provide the best returns, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at University of Minnesota-Duluth?
Engineering programs at UMD deliver strong returns, with mechanical engineering graduates earning $64,940 and electrical engineering at $64,493. Computer science and networking programs also pay well at around $61,000, making these the clear winners for ROI.
How much debt do University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates have?
UMD graduates carry a median debt of $22,024, which is manageable for engineering and computer science majors but could be problematic for lower-paying fields. With 10-year earnings at $62,616, debt-to-income ratios are reasonable for most graduates.
Does University of Minnesota-Duluth have good job placement?
While UMD's 80% acceptance rate makes it accessible, the 64.5% graduation rate raises concerns about student success. The school performs well for technical fields, but students in other programs may face tougher job markets given the regional location.