Head-to-head · 2026
Normandale Community College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Compare average net price ($12,972 at Normandale Community College; $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities), ROI score (9.68 vs 10.28), ten-year median earnings ($50,207 vs $69,020), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Normandale Community College; 79.8% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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-Twin Cities |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.68 | 10.28 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,972 ✓ | $16,778 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,207 | $69,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 79.8% |
| Graduation rate | 27% | 85.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 7,044 | 31,855 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1362 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs $3,806 more per year than Normandale Community College ($16,778 vs $12,972). University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates report $18,813 higher median earnings after ten years ($69,020 vs $50,207). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ahead on projected ROI (10.28 vs 9.68, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports 79.8% 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-Twin Cities, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Normandale Community College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities the better value?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.28 vs 9.68), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Normandale Community College is cheaper — average net price $12,972 per year vs $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The annual difference of $3,806 adds up to about $15,224 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $69,020 vs $50,207 at Normandale Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,813.
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-Twin Cities reports B.