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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,061 |
| Tuition and Fees | $38,362 |
| Room and Board | $13,856 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,283 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,778 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,642 |
| $30–48k | $7,283 |
| $48–75k | $9,931 |
| $75–110k | $16,415 |
| $110k+ | $27,008 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates carry median debt of $19,500, slightly below the peer median of $20,000, resulting in favorable debt comparison within the public research university sector. Debt distribution spans from $8,374 at the 25th percentile to $25,182 at the 75th percentile, indicating substantial variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 represents manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, with monthly payments representing reasonable percentages of graduate earnings. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $22,910, with monthly payments of $302, though this requires family income context for proper interpretation.
The combination of moderate debt levels with strong earnings creates favorable repayment conditions, with most graduates able to manage educational investments within standard repayment timelines. Debt levels ranking at the 72nd percentile indicate above average borrowing compared to all institutions, though the strong earnings outcomes justify the educational investment for most students.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers well above average return on educational investment despite below average earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $69,020 annually, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally and exceeding peer medians by $8,477, while carrying manageable debt of $19,500.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 indicates sustainable repayment terms, with educational debt representing reasonable percentages of annual income. Though graduates earn $12,600 below expectations relative to student demographics, the strong absolute earnings levels and manageable debt create favorable long-term financial outcomes.
The return index ranking at the 71st percentile reflects above average performance when combining earnings and debt measures. Students can expect positive return on educational investment through strong absolute earnings, particularly in high-performing programs like Computer Science ($93,994 earnings) and Engineering ($84,682 earnings).
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities enrolls 16.9% Pell-eligible students, below the national average but meaningful within the research university sector. The $11,874 average financial aid savings demonstrates substantial institutional commitment to affordability, reducing costs by 41% from published prices.
Net prices ranging from $7,262 to $26,623 by income show targeted aid delivery, with lowest-income families paying just 25% of sticker price while highest-income families pay 92%. This progressive structure supports the enrollment of students from diverse economic backgrounds despite moderate Pell share.
The combination of need-based federal aid with institutional support creates multiple pathways to affordability, though the 16.9% Pell share suggests room for increased access among lowest-income students. Financial aid effectiveness shows in the substantial difference between published and actual costs, making the institution financially accessible to middle and lower-income families while maintaining quality.
