Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs University of Portland
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 11
- Portland Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $16,778 vs University of Portland's $28,210, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
47 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $11,432 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 80% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, 20% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (12% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 University of Portland over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over University of Portland. Net price $16,778 vs $28,210.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over University of Portland. 85% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and University of Portland are close on paper, but University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the harder admit. It takes 80% of applicants, while University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,362 to 1,277.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $11,432 a year below University of Portland's $28,210. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $45,728 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Portland graduates report median earnings of $82,804, compared with $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Portland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Portland for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $11,432 a year, yet University of Portland graduates earn $13,784 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,210 runs well above University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% 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) 3 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
University of Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Portland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Oregon ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Minnesota-Twin Cities's top program is Biology (12% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Minnesota-Twin Cities) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Minnesota-Twin Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Portland?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is harder to get into, admitting 80% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Portland?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $28,210 at University of Portland.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Portland graduates earn more?
University of Portland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Portland?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 80%.
Should you choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Portland if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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