At $17,139/yr net price, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $69,020/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,020/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,139 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,020/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,020/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,262/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,634/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,861/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,909/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,623/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $140,032 | $272,055 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,673 | $148,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $112,319 | $67,943 |
| Public Health. | Master | $76,460 | $45,315 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $75,204 | $19,500 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $74,477 | $182,110 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $20,041 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $72,286 | $18,577 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,022 | $22,350 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,176 | $23,418 |
The Risk Factor
84.8% of students at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities gives you a solid financial return. Median debt sits at $19,500 against median earnings of $69,020 ten years out, so you graduate owing less than a third of a single year's pay. The 84.8% graduation rate and 90.86% retention rate mean you are likely to finish, which is the biggest factor in whether college pays off at all.
The engineering and computing majors are where the money is. Construction Management leads at $75,204, and Computer Systems Analysis, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Chemical Engineering all clear $70,000. Minneapolis-St. Paul has real employers for these fields, from tech to manufacturing to the region's large construction sector, so these paths connect to local jobs. Chemical Engineering carries the heaviest debt of the top group at $23,418, but the earnings still cover it comfortably.
The risk is that these strong numbers come from technical majors. If you enroll in a lower-paying field, your earnings will fall below the $69,020 median while your net price stays the same. The published program data only covers high-earning bachelor's degrees, so treat those figures as a ceiling, not a guarantee.
Net price scales sharply with income. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $7,300 to $7,600 a year, which is a strong deal. From $48,000 to $75,000 the price jumps to $10,861, and above $110,000 you pay $26,623. Middle-income families in the $75,000 to $110,000 band pay $17,909 and feel the squeeze most.
This school fits you if you are heading into engineering, computing, or construction and want in-state or regional value. If you are chasing a lower-paying major and land in the top income tier, run the math before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities worth the cost?
With a net price of $17,139 and graduates earning $69,020 after 10 years, Minnesota-Twin Cities offers solid ROI for a public university. The relatively low debt load of $19,500 and strong graduation rate of 84.8% make it financially manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Dentistry leads with graduates earning $140,032, followed by pharmacy at $121,673 and business at $112,319. These professional programs justify the investment, while other majors like public health ($76,460) offer more modest returns.
How much student debt do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is reasonable compared to the national average. This manageable debt load, combined with decent earning potential, reduces the financial risk for most graduates.
Does University of Minnesota-Twin Cities have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,139 suggests decent aid for in-state students, making it affordable compared to private schools. However, out-of-state students will pay significantly more and should carefully consider their program's earning potential.