Students at Minnesota State University-Mankato achieve earnings that consistently exceed typical outcomes for similar public universities, reflecting strong career preparation across professional programs.
The university's combination of accessible education and above-average financial outcomes makes it a reliable choice for students seeking practical career pathways.
Minnesota State University-Mankato delivers consistent value as a comprehensive public university, combining accessible education with strong long-term outcomes. Azimuth ranks Minnesota State Mankato among the top performers nationally for overall return on investment, reflecting the institution's ability to prepare graduates for well-paying careers across multiple fields. With graduates earning a median of $56,922 ten years after enrollment, the university performs in the 71st percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university serves a diverse student body, with about 20% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 25% being first-generation college students. Despite this broad access mission, Minnesota State Mankato maintains strong graduation rates and career preparation that translates into solid financial outcomes for graduates. The institution's strength lies in professional programs like nursing, which produces 229 graduates annually with median earnings of $67,079, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence, where 89 graduates earn around $68,047.
As a large public university in southern Minnesota, Minnesota State Mankato offers the comprehensive academic breadth students expect from a regional university while maintaining the focused career preparation that leads to strong employment outcomes. The combination of reasonable costs, diverse program offerings, and above-average earnings makes it a reliable choice for students seeking practical education with clear career pathways.
Minnesota State University-Mankato's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing dominates both in scale and financial outcomes, graduating 229 students annually who earn a median of $67,079 ten years out, making it the university's economic engine. The program's large size and strong earnings demonstrate the institution's commitment to meeting regional healthcare workforce needs while providing students with excellent career prospects.
Technology programs show particular promise, with Artificial Intelligence graduates earning the highest median salaries at $68,047 despite the program's smaller size of 89 graduates. This reflects growing demand for technology skills and the university's ability to adapt its offerings to emerging career fields. Psychology remains the most popular major with 125 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $36,129, typical for a foundational field that often leads to graduate study or diverse career paths.
The university's strength lies in balancing high-return professional programs with broader educational opportunities. While Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn around $32,569, reflecting the field's focus on education and community wellness rather than high salaries, the program serves students interested in health promotion and athletic training. This mix of high-earning professional programs and diverse academic offerings ensures students can find pathways that match both their interests and financial goals.
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that place the institution well above national averages. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $56,922, positioning the university in the 71st percentile nationally for earnings performance. This strong showing reflects the institution's emphasis on career-focused programs that connect directly to regional and national job markets, particularly in health sciences, technology, and business fields.
The university's program mix drives much of its earnings success. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-return program and largest professional program, graduating 229 students annually who earn a median of $67,079 ten years out. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 89 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $68,047, reflecting strong demand for technology skills. Psychology remains the most popular major with 125 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $36,129, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn around $32,569, typical for education and fitness-related careers.
The university's strength lies in its professional programs that prepare students for stable, well-compensated careers in growing fields. Nursing and technology programs consistently deliver strong early-career placement and earnings growth, while the breadth of offerings ensures students can find pathways that match their interests and career goals.
Minnesota State University-Mankato offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $11,920 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,200 per year, both representing reasonable values for a comprehensive public university education. Even higher-income families pay a manageable $21,860 annually, reflecting the institution's commitment to keeping education costs predictable and transparent.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial health for graduates. Typical students leave with about $21,106 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns well with the institution's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,391, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and savings rather than relying heavily on parent loans. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Minnesota State Mankato demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes the affordability picture particularly strong is how well debt levels align with post-graduation earning power. With median earnings approaching $57,000 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers and financial stability.
Minnesota State University-Mankato Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
