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Head-to-head comparison

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs Saint Johns University: which has better ROI?

Public, Minneapolis MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Collegeville MN

Option A Minneapolis, MN

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Net price / year
$16,778
Earnings, 10 years
$69,020
Payback
3.2 yrs

Option B Collegeville, MN

Saint Johns University

Net price / year
$25,672
Earnings, 10 years
$76,786
Payback
3.6 yrs
The verdict

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,112 in 3.2 years versus 3.6 years at Saint Johns University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $76,786 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Minnesota-Twin CitiesSaint Johns University
Net price / yr$16,778$25,672
Total net cost$67,112$102,688
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,020$76,786
Median debt$19,500$27,000
Payback3.2 yrs3.6 yrs
20-year net return$346,088$465,832

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, at $16,778 a year after aid versus $25,672 — a gap of $8,894 a year, or $35,576 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University graduates earn more?

Saint Johns University graduates report a median $76,786 ten years after entry, $7,766 more than the $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Saint Johns University, a difference of $7,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

85% of students finish at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, against 75% at Saint Johns University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs Saint Johns University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University a better value?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. It clears its $67,112 net cost in about 3.2 years versus 3.6 years at Saint Johns University, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $76,786 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $16,778/yr net price after aid versus $25,672/yr at Saint Johns University — a difference of $8,894 a year, or about $35,576 over four years.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Saint Johns University graduates earn more?
Saint Johns University graduates earn a median $76,786 ten years after entry, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — a $7,766 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.