Cost & ROI · 2026
Is Minnesota State University Moorhead worth it?
Pay $17,997/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $50,527 ten years out — about 2.8× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: C.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
Minnesota State University Moorhead vs Minnesota avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical Minnesota college and the typical US college.
| Metric | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Minnesota avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▲ $17,997 | $18,971 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $50,527 | $53,271 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $20,000 | $18,975 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▲ 57.3% | 52.3% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | ▼ 58.8% | 74.9% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $100,788 over four years. Most students get $7,200/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $20,000 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 40% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're well below that threshold.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median Minnesota State University Moorhead grad earns about $221,080 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about Minnesota State University Moorhead
The average student at Minnesota State University Moorhead pays $17,997 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $25,197 published sticker price. That is below the MN average net price of $18,971.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $50,527 — below the MN median of $53,271. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $20,000, roughly $217 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a moderate load at about 40% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper Minnesota colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Morris, MN · Public University of Minnesota-Morris A 
Rochester, MN · Public University of Minnesota-Rochester A 
Winona, MN · Private Non-Profit Saint Mary's University of Minnesota A Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at Minnesota State University Moorhead?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $17,997 per year. That's $7,200/yr in financial aid against the $25,197 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $71,988.
How much do Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn a median of $50,527 per year — below the national average of $50,834. That's about 2.8× the annual net cost.
How much debt do Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $20,000 — about $217/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 48.5% of students take federal loans.
Is Minnesota State University Moorhead worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns Minnesota State University Moorhead a value grade of C — top 55% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $17,997/yr, earn $50,527/yr ten years out, ROI score of 7.02. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at Minnesota State University Moorhead?
28% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 48.5% take federal student loans. On average, students get $7,200 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at Minnesota State University Moorhead?
In-state tuition is $10,428 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $10,428 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $11,129. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $22,420. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →