University of Minnesota-Twin Cities combines accessible admission with strong economic mobility outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university delivers well above average earnings while maintaining manageable debt levels, with particular strength in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business programs that support long-term career advancement.
With above average enrollment of diverse students, while return performance ranks at the 71.4th percentile with above average long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Controlled costs and moderate debt levels
With above average enrollment of diverse students, while return performance ranks at the 71.4th percentile with above average long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop-tier mobility performance at #145 nationally
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ranks #145 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with excellent mobility performance at the 95.4th percentile leading its pillar strengths. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this large public research university maintains open admission standards with a 77.0% acceptance rate while achieving well above average outcomes across multiple measures.
The university enrolls 16.9% Pell-eligible students and 18.7% first-generation students, positioning it within the Selective Achievers quadrant, where institutions serve fewer low-income students while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes. Graduate earnings reach $69,020 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally and exceeding the peer median by $8,477 annually.
Test scores rank among the highest we track, with SAT scores ranging from 1310 to 1480 and ACT scores from 27 to 31, reflecting the academic quality of enrolled students despite the institution's accessible admission rate.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers well above average earnings outcomes while maintaining manageable debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $69,020 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 85th percentile nationally and $8,477 above the peer median of $60,543.
However, graduates earn $12,600 less than expectations relative to similar student demographics, placing the institution in the below average tier for earnings beyond expectations at the 9.9th percentile. The earnings distribution spans from $47,150 at the 25th percentile to $97,410 at the 75th percentile, indicating substantial variation across programs and career paths.
Students seeking strong STEM education, particularly Computer Science and Engineering, at an accessible public research university. Well-suited for Minnesota residents looking for value-driven outcomes and students prioritizing diverse program offerings.
The institution combines open admission with competitive test scores, serving both traditional and transfer students effectively.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities admits 77.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the institution in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows the university's selectivity aligns closely with similar large public research institutions. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students can expect admission, though the institution maintains high academic standards once enrolled.
The 20.7% transfer share indicates significant pathways for community college students and others seeking to transfer. Students should view University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as an accessible option for quality public research university education, particularly valuable for Minnesota residents seeking strong outcomes without extremely competitive admission.
For prospective students, this accessibility combined with strong post-graduation outcomes represents an excellent value proposition, allowing focus on academic preparation rather than admission anxiety. The combination of open admission with competitive outcomes makes this institution particularly attractive for students seeking research university resources without the stress of highly selective admission processes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities publishes a cost of attendance of $29,013 per year, including $16,488 in-state tuition, $13,028 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $17,139 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,874 from the sticker price.
This net price falls $1,549 below the peer median of $15,590, making the institution more affordable than similar public research universities. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition of $36,402, though financial aid helps offset these costs for many families.
The substantial gap between published and actual costs reflects the institution's commitment to affordability through need-based and merit aid programs. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $7,262 for families earning under $30,000 to $26,623 for families earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive pricing that makes education accessible across economic backgrounds.
The combination of moderate published costs with substantial financial aid creates favorable conditions for both in-state and out-of-state students, though Minnesota residents benefit most significantly from the in-state tuition advantage.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $57,984 six years after enrollment to $63,477 at eight years and $69,020 at ten years, representing 19.0% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts of 7,979 six-year graduates, 8,545 eight-year graduates, and 9,581 ten-year graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures.
Graduates earn $8,477 more than the peer median, though they earn $12,600 below expectations compared to similar students nationally. The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the gap between the 25th percentile ($47,150) and 75th percentile ($97,410) representing a 2.1:1 ratio.
Low-income graduates earn $66,300, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds and contributing to the institution's excellent mobility performance. Approximately 26.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Computer Systems Analysis.
153 graduates
Computer Science.
459 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
65 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
110 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
293 graduates
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data. Computer Systems Analysis ranks #1 nationally, producing 153 graduates with median earnings of $95,664 and a perfect value score of 100.0.
Computer Science ranks #61 nationally and #2 in Minnesota, graduating 459 students with median earnings of $93,994. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #31 nationally and #1 in Minnesota, with 293 graduates earning $87,799.
Education, Other achieves #1 nationally with 231 graduates earning $58,769 and a perfect value score. Psychology, General leads enrollment with 501 graduates annually and ranks #1 in Minnesota, while Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other ranks #8 nationally with 447 graduates.
The institution demonstrates particular strength in STEM fields, business programs, and education, with multiple programs achieving top rankings both nationally and within Minnesota.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Indiana University-Bloomington Similar quality tier in Midwest (#144 ranked) | IN | 80% | $63,742 | #144 | Compare |
University Of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Similar quality tier (#146 ranked) | OK | 77% | $63,126 | #146 | Compare |
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Similar quality tier (#147 ranked) | NC | 90% | $48,160 | #147 | Compare |
Illinois State University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#149 ranked) | IL | 89% | $62,117 | #149 | Compare |
The University Of Tennessee-Knoxville Similar quality tier (#142 ranked) | TN | 46% | $60,249 | #142 | Compare |
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This is the University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities/analysis.
