Saint Paul, MN · Private University
Is Metropolitan State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$64,705
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,780
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,780
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$39,120
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
6.62x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
1.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
38.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$17,100
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$19,181
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Metropolitan State University graduates earn $19,705 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Metropolitan State University ranked by graduate earnings
114 graduates
261 graduates
35 graduates
92 graduates
368 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Metropolitan State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Metropolitan State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $91,366) and the lowest (Research and Experimental Psychology: $34,172) is $57,194/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $91,366 | 9.3x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $83,925 | 8.6x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $75,756 | 7.8x |
| Information Science/Studies | $74,311 | 7.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $60,931 | 6.2x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $60,849 | 6.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $59,850 | 6.1x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $59,158 | 6.0x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $57,869 | 5.9x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $57,427 | 5.9x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $56,894 | 5.8x |
| Marketing | $56,170 | 5.7x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $55,851 | 5.7x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,180 | 5.4x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,541 | 5.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $52,538 | 5.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $51,544 | 5.3x |
| Biology, General | $50,242 | 5.1x |
| Human Services, General | $48,069 | 4.9x |
| Social Work | $47,860 | 4.9x |
| Social Sciences, General | $46,986 | 4.8x |
| Psychology, General | $44,425 | 4.5x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $42,089 | 4.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,111 | 4.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $35,593 | 3.6x |
| Research and Experimental PsychologyLowest | $34,172 | 3.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Metropolitan State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $64,705 10 years after starting, $19,705 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 1.3 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.