Students at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the university among the top performers nationally.
The combination of strong technical programs and focused student support creates meaningful economic mobility for graduates across income levels.
Azimuth ranks the University of Minnesota-Duluth 82nd percentile nationally among public four-year institutions, reflecting strong long-term outcomes and solid value proposition. What distinguishes UMD is its combination of technical program strength and consistent graduate earnings, with alumni earning a median of $62,616 ten years after enrollment. The university operates as a regional campus within the University of Minnesota system, offering the resources of a major research university while maintaining a more intimate, medium-sized environment.
UMD's student body is somewhat more academically selective than typical public universities, with about 18% of students receiving Pell Grants and 18% being first-generation college students. Despite serving fewer low-income students overall, the university delivers exceptional outcomes for those it does enroll, with low-income graduates earning $68,200 ten years out—placing UMD in the top 7% nationally for low-income student earnings.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, UMD demonstrates how focused academic programs and strong student support can translate into meaningful career outcomes. The university's engineering programs, particularly Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, anchor much of its economic value, while programs like Digital Marketing provide pathways into growing business sectors. For students who gain admission, UMD offers a compelling combination of academic quality, manageable costs, and strong post-graduation earning potential.
The University of Minnesota-Duluth's program portfolio centers on engineering excellence and professional preparation, with technical fields driving much of the institution's economic value. Mechanical Engineering stands out as both a large program (125 graduates) and high-return field, combining substantial enrollment with strong median earnings of $64,940 to create the highest aggregate economic impact. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, while smaller at 44 graduates, produces the highest individual earnings at $64,493, reflecting the premium that specialized technical skills command in the job market.
Digital Marketing represents UMD's largest single program with 152 graduates, demonstrating the university's commitment to preparing students for growing business sectors. With median earnings of $50,231, these graduates enter stable middle-income careers in marketing, communications, and digital commerce. Even programs with more modest early earnings, such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at $29,685, often serve as stepping stones to graduate school and advanced professional training in healthcare, research, and biotechnology.
The concentration of strength in engineering and applied sciences reflects UMD's positioning as a technically-oriented regional university. These programs benefit from strong industry connections in Minnesota's manufacturing and technology sectors, providing graduates with clear pathways into well-established career tracks that offer both immediate earning potential and long-term advancement opportunities.
University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $62,616 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 82nd percentile nationally for graduate earnings. While earnings performance is slightly below what might be expected given the student profile, the absolute earning levels remain solid and competitive with peer institutions. Over 1,680 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple fields.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its engineering programs, which form the backbone of UMD's economic value proposition. Mechanical Engineering, the highest aggregate-return program, graduates 125 students annually with median earnings of $64,940, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $64,493 for its 44 graduates. Digital Marketing, the largest program with 152 graduates, provides solid middle-income outcomes at $50,231, reflecting the university's balance between technical specialization and broader professional preparation. Even programs like Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while showing more modest early earnings at $29,685, often lead to graduate school and advanced career pathways that build value over time.
The University of Minnesota-Duluth offers predictable and manageable pricing across income levels, with particularly strong value for low-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $6,393 annually, well below national averages and making UMD accessible to Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families face annual costs around $11,619, while higher-income families pay approximately $24,658—all representing reasonable value given the university's strong graduate outcomes and program quality.
Debt levels at UMD remain within manageable ranges for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $22,024, which aligns well with the university's median graduate earnings of $62,616, creating a sustainable debt-to-income ratio. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,000, a moderate level that reflects many families' ability to contribute meaningfully to college costs without taking on excessive debt. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their loan obligations after graduation. With strong earning potential and reasonable debt loads, UMD graduates are well-positioned to achieve financial stability and build wealth over their careers.
University Of Minnesota-Duluth Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
