Mankato, MN · Private University
Is Minnesota State University-Mankato Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$56,922
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,490
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,860
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$75,440
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.02x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
54.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,106
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,609
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates earn $11,922 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 Minnesota State University-Mankato ranked by graduate earnings
64 graduates
61 graduates
44 graduates
19 graduates
39 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Minnesota State University-Mankato
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Minnesota State University-Mankato, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $84,596) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $32,057) is $52,539/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $84,596 | 4.5x |
| Construction Management | $80,951 | 4.3x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $80,663 | 4.3x |
| Civil Engineering | $78,351 | 4.2x |
| Air Transportation | $75,272 | 4.0x |
| Engineering, General | $75,021 | 4.0x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $73,888 | 3.9x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(1yr data) | $71,676 | 3.8x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $70,279 | 3.7x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $68,997 | 3.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $66,787 | 3.5x |
| Marketing | $63,775 | 3.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $63,301 | 3.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $59,003 | 3.1x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $58,756 | 3.1x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $57,770 | 3.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,238 | 2.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $51,810 | 2.8x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $49,281 | 2.6x |
| Biology, General | $48,931 | 2.6x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $48,805 | 2.6x |
| Geography and Cartography | $47,976 | 2.5x |
| Human Resources Management and Services(1yr data) | $46,691 | 2.5x |
| Social Work | $46,679 | 2.5x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $46,128 | 2.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $45,619 | 2.4x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $45,342 | 2.4x |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $42,921 | 2.3x |
| History | $42,443 | 2.3x |
| Psychology, General | $41,943 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,039 | 2.2x |
| Sociology | $40,199 | 2.1x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $37,298 | 2.0x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $35,235 | 1.9x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $32,057 | 1.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Minnesota State University-Mankato stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $56,922 10 years after starting, $11,922 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.4 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.