Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
- Georgia Technology-Main Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 16
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,116 vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $102,772 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Georgia Technology-Main
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, 49% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,116, roughly $4,662 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgia Technology-Main graduates concentrate in Engineering (42% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Net price $12,116 vs $16,778.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 93% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but Georgia Institute of Technology wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Georgia Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,480 to 1,362.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Georgia Institute of Technology sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Georgia Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,116, about $4,662 a year below University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,672.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $18,648 before any change in aid. Choosing Georgia Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Georgia Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $102,772, compared with $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 49% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgia Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 49% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Georgia Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Georgia Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Georgia Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $16,778 runs well above Georgia Institute of Technology's $12,116.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment, and Georgia Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds Georgia Institute of Technology's 18,785.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Minnesota-Twin Cities, where only about 42% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
Georgia Institute of Technology has an impressive graduation rate of 93%, showcasing its commitment to student success. This high rate indicates that most students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, a critical factor for anyone considering their future at this institution.
Graduates from Georgia Tech see significant financial returns, earning a median salary of $102,772 a decade after finishing their degrees. This strong earning potential underscores the effectiveness of the education provided, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science. The school plays an important role in enhancing economic mobility, although specific rates for low-income students are not available.
With a net price of $12,116 and a median debt of $21,672, Georgia Tech presents a financially manageable option for many students. Those who thrive here are typically driven, with a focus on STEM fields, and come from diverse backgrounds. The competitive acceptance rate of 14% reflects the school's selectivity, attracting students who are ready to engage in rigorous academic challenges.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities appear together in 3 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ranks #1 — Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus outranks University of Minnesota-Twin Cities by 17 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Georgia Technology-Main's top program is Mechanical Engineering (42% of enrollment), while Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
Georgia Technology-Main
Minnesota-Twin Cities
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Georgia Technology-Main) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Minnesota-Twin Cities).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Georgia Institute of Technology or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Georgia Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Georgia Institute of Technology or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Georgia Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,116 after aid versus $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Do Georgia Institute of Technology or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgia Institute of Technology or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Georgia Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 85%.
Should you choose Georgia Institute of Technology or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Georgia Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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