Metropolitan State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Metropolitan State University costs about $39,120 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $54,828 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2 years (20-year ROI: 914%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$39,120
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$19,828/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
914%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul has a high acceptance rate of 96.5% and a low graduation rate of 35.5%. The annual in-state tuition is $9780, and 33.7% of students receive financial aid. The median debt for graduates is $17100.
One year after graduation, the median earnings are $53416. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $54828, and after ten years, earnings are $64705. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 32% in the first year after graduation.
Based on the tuition cost and one-year earnings, the break-even point is less than one year. However, the low graduation rate and the relatively high debt-to-income ratio should be considered when evaluating the return on investment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,780
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,100
Median Earnings (5yr)
$54,828
Graduation Rate
36%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
914%
20yr ROI
1092%
20yr ROI
507%
20yr ROI
683%
20yr ROI
794%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.