Rankings / By State (Affordable)
Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota
- 50
- Schools
- $51,260
- Avg. Earnings
- 49%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,755
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,965
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $36,909 to $69,020, a 1.9× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Riverland Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $45,247 in median earnings against $7,427 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Red Lake Nation College is the lowest-cost school here at $5,672 a year in net price.
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates 85% of its students, versus a 49% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Dakota County Technical College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.21× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Minnesota-Morris ($50,919 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Minnesota-Rochester ($69,020), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- On value, Riverland Community College beats University of Minnesota-Rochester: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities finishes 85% of students while Minneapolis Community and Technical College finishes 18%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Riverland Community College and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $49K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-06-15
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Minnesota-Morris #1 overall | $50,919 ▼ -1% vs avg | $8,837 | 62% | 78 |
| 2 Riverland Community College #2 overall | $45,247 ▼ -12% vs avg | $7,427 | 53% | 77 |
| 3 South Central College #3 overall | $45,068 ▼ -12% vs avg | $9,082 | 34% | 74 |
| $46,874 ▼ -9% vs avg | $9,635 | 44% | 73 | |
| $58,170 ▲ +13% vs avg | $11,704 | 67% | 72 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $51,260 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 49% and an average net price of $14,755.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Riverland Community College — Net Price: $7,427 | Graduation Rate: 53%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — 85% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Minnesota-Rochester — Median alumni earnings: $69,020
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Affordability & ROI Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about getting a real return on a degree?
$49,460
Median earnings (10yr)
50%
Median graduation rate
$13,841
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
A value ranking asks the question families actually care about: which school delivers the strongest outcome for the least cost and debt. The winners are rarely the cheapest schools or the highest earners. They are the ones that pair a low net price, what students pay after grants, with graduates who go on to earn. That is the definition of return on investment.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $49,460 ten years after they first enrolled, about $1,460 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 50%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $13,841 a year, with about $15,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 28% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.2%.
What we’re seeing: value clusters at schools that hold net price down without sacrificing earnings. The median net price here is $13,841, with graduates earning a median of $49,460 ten years after enrollment. Strong results without heavy debt: that combination is the quiet argument for where higher education is headed.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Minnesota-Morris lands at #1 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $50,919 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,837 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Riverland Community College lands at #2 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,247 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,427 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
South Central College lands at #3 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,068 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,082 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
St Cloud Technical and Community College lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,874 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,635 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota lands at #5 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,170 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,704 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Ridgewater College lands at #6 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $43,827 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,046 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Hennepin Technical College lands at #7 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (44/100). Graduates earn a median $49,460 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,272 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Minnesota North College lands at #8 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,570 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,432 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Minnesota-Crookston lands at #9 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $58,056 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,212 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Minnesota West Community and Technical College lands at #10 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,285 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,191 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Century College lands at #11 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $46,424 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,906 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Northwest Technical College lands at #12 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $42,930 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,996 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Saint Paul College lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (36/100). Graduates earn a median $38,399 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,495 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Inver Hills Community College lands at #14 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $49,898 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,636 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Saint Cloud State University lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $55,813 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,529 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
North Hennepin Community College lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $51,142 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,186 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
University of Minnesota-Rochester lands at #17 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (36/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,744 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Minnesota State Community and Technical College lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Graduates earn a median $45,591 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,556 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Red Lake Nation College lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Net price runs $5,672 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College lands at #20 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $45,665 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,677 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Pine Technical & Community College lands at #21 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $41,232 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,798 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Normandale Community College lands at #22 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $50,207 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,972 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Bemidji State University lands at #23 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $53,755 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,261 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Dakota County Technical College lands at #24 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $51,938 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,548 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Southwest Minnesota State University lands at #25 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,342 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,291 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Alexandria Technical & Community College lands at #26 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $49,393 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,691 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Minneapolis Community and Technical College lands at #27 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (40/100). Graduates earn a median $40,086 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,812 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Central Lakes College-Brainerd lands at #28 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $42,162 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,869 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Northland Community and Technical College lands at #29 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $44,425 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,975 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Rochester Community and Technical College lands at #30 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $45,287 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,435 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Minneapolis, MN · 80% accepted · $16,778 net
Why it ranks #31
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities lands at #31 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,778 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Metropolitan State University lands at #32 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $64,705 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,863 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Lake Superior College lands at #33 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,449 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,492 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Winona State University lands at #34 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,532 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,503 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Minnesota State College Southeast lands at #35 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (67/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $43,613 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,140 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Herzing University-Minneapolis lands at #36 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (57/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $36,909 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,670 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Minnesota State University Moorhead lands at #37 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $50,527 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,997 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Anoka-Ramsey Community College lands at #38 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $48,342 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,434 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Anoka Technical College lands at #39 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $47,746 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,953 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Martin Luther College lands at #40 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $47,491 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,463 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
University of Minnesota-Duluth lands at #41 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $62,616 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,743 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
St Catherine University lands at #42 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $59,282 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,764 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Concordia University-Saint Paul lands at #43 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,871 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,462 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Minnesota State University-Mankato lands at #44 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $56,922 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,139 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Bethany Lutheran College lands at #45 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $46,110 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,148 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Hamline University lands at #46 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $61,106 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,744 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Gustavus Adolphus College lands at #47 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $65,607 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,900 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Augsburg University lands at #48 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $58,829 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,873 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
St Olaf College lands at #49 with a 49/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $65,543 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,874 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Concordia College at Moorhead lands at #50 with a 48/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $59,317 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,902 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering schools in Minnesota, affordability is a top concern for many families. These institutions not only offer education but also promise a manageable financial path. The average net price across the schools on this list is $9,205, making them attractive options for cost-conscious students.
What sets these colleges apart is their balance of affordability and outcomes that matter—like earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. For instance, the University of Minnesota-Morris has a low net price of $8,837 and a graduation rate of 62%. In contrast, while Riverland Community College has an even lower net price of $7,427, it has a lower graduation rate of 53%. Understanding how these factors play into the overall value of each school can help you make a more informed choice.
Take the University of Minnesota-Morris and Riverland Community College. While Morris offers higher average earnings of $50,919 compared to Riverland’s $45,247, Riverland has lower debt levels at $12,000. This contrast highlights the trade-offs you may need to consider based on your priorities—whether you want a higher earning potential after graduation or a lower debt burden while studying.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 7 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. St Catherine University leads the group at 2%, with Hamline University (1.5%) and Concordia College at Moorhead (1.4%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 4.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. St Catherine University enrolls the most, at 7.3%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 26.5% across the list, peaking at 32.1% at Augsburg University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.69, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Gustavus Adolphus College is highest at 1.77.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals some interesting patterns. For example, the University of Minnesota-Morris stands out with a graduation rate of 62% and average earnings of $50,919, while South Central College lags behind with only a 34% graduation rate and earnings of $45,068, despite a similar net price of $9,082. This indicates that not all affordable schools deliver the same outcomes, and it's crucial to consider both earnings potential and completion rates when evaluating options.
After reviewing 50 schools, think about your own priorities. Consider factors like location, program fit, and campus culture alongside these financial metrics. If you value a vibrant campus life, for instance, a school with a slightly higher net price but strong student engagement might be worth the investment. Balance these considerations against potential earnings and debt to find the right fit.
Ultimately, the data reflects the importance of making informed decisions about education. One family’s choice to attend the University of Minnesota-Morris could mean a smoother transition into a stable financial future, thanks to strong earnings and graduation rates. As you weigh your options, remember that this decision can significantly impact your life after college.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota ranking? +
University of Minnesota-Morris in Morris, MN ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $50,919 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 62% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Minnesota-Rochester posts the highest median earnings on this list: $69,020 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,260 average across the 49 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Riverland Community College leads: graduates earn a median $45,247 against net price of about $7,427 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 85%, compared with a 49% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $14,755 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Red Lake Nation College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,672. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
