Head-to-head · 2026
Normandale Community College vs University of Minnesota-Crookston
Compare average net price ($12,972 at Normandale Community College; $12,212 at University of Minnesota-Crookston), ROI score (9.68 vs 11.89), ten-year median earnings ($50,207 vs $58,056), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Normandale Community College; 87.9% at University of Minnesota-Crookston) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Minnesota-Crookston has a 4-1 metric-level edge. University of Minnesota-Crookston has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Normandale Community College | University of Minnesota-Crookston |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.68 | 11.89 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,972 | $12,212 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,207 | $58,056 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 87.9% |
| Graduation rate | 27% | 49.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 7,044 | 1,729 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Normandale Community College costs $760 more per year than University of Minnesota-Crookston ($12,972 vs $12,212). University of Minnesota-Crookston graduates report $7,849 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,056 vs $50,207). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Minnesota-Crookston ahead on projected ROI (11.89 vs 9.68, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Minnesota-Crookston) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Minnesota-Crookston reports 87.9% acceptance; Normandale Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Normandale Community College vs University of Minnesota-Crookston, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Normandale Community College or University of Minnesota-Crookston the better value?
University of Minnesota-Crookston has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.89 vs 9.68), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Minnesota-Crookston is cheaper — average net price $12,212 per year vs $12,972 at Normandale Community College. The annual difference of $760 adds up to about $3,040 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Crookston reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,056 vs $50,207 at Normandale Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,849.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Normandale Community College reports a B value grade; University of Minnesota-Crookston reports A.