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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers solid financial returns for a public research university, with graduates earning above-average salaries while keeping debt manageable. The median debt of $19,500 paired with $69,020 in median earnings creates a favorable debt-to-income ratio that makes loan payments sustainable for most graduates.
Business Administration stands out as the financial sweet spot, generating over $112,000 annually with reasonable debt levels. Construction Management offers excellent value with strong earnings but minimal borrowing. If you can handle the academic rigor and debt load, Dentistry and Pharmacy provide strong long-term earning potential despite hefty upfront costs. Public Health graduates earn well above the national average while maintaining moderate debt levels.
The school's primary financial risk lies in its competitive admission standards for top-paying programs. You face opportunity costs if you cannot access the highest-ROI majors. The relatively low percentage receiving aid means you will likely pay closer to full price unless you qualify for merit scholarships or need-based assistance.
This university works best financially if you can secure admission to professional programs or business school, live in-state for lower tuition, or plan to work in the Twin Cities metro area where the strong alumni network and employer relationships boost job prospects. The combination of reasonable costs and strong regional employment connections makes it particularly attractive for Minnesota residents.
Look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid beyond federal programs or want guaranteed access to high-paying majors without competitive admission hurdles. The school's size and selectivity mean you could end up in lower-ROI programs if you do not meet admission requirements for the most lucrative fields.
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.