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 gives you a solid financial return with manageable risk. Median debt of $22,024 sits below the $62,616 you can expect to earn ten years out, a ratio that keeps loan payments comfortable on a typical salary. A 64.5% graduation rate and 81% retention mean most people who start here finish and start earning.
The engineering programs are where the money is. Mechanical and electrical engineering both clear $64,000, and you take on similar debt (around $24,000 to $25,000) to get there. Chemical engineering, computer science, and computer networking all land near $61,000 to $62,000. Computer science stands out because it pays about the same as the others while leaving you with the lowest debt on the list, around $21,500. If you come here for a technical major and the Iron Range or Twin Cities job market, the numbers work in your favor.
The risk is that these earnings figures are carried by engineering and computing. UMD is a broad public university, and majors outside those fields aren't listed here, so you shouldn't assume a humanities or general studies degree pays the same. Borrow the same $22,000 for a lower-earning field and the return gets thin.
On price, your family income changes the math sharply. Under $30,000, you pay $6,393 a year. between $75,000 and $110,000 that jumps to $18,262, and above $110,000 you pay $24,658 close to the sticker price. Lower-income families get a genuine discount here. If your family earns six figures and you pick a non-technical major, run the payoff before committing.
Good fit if you want an engineering or computing degree and plan to work in Minnesota. Look harder if you're undecided or headed into a lower-paying field at near-full price.
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.