Best Communication and Media Studies Degrees in Minnesota by ROI
Colleges in Minnesota ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Minnesota
17
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$192,351
Across Minnesota programs
Average Annual Cost
$41,822
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walden University | +$154,245 | $52,653 | N/A | $43,566 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Metropolitan State University
Grad rate: 35.5% |
-$8,047 | $49,167 | $26,057 | $34,933 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Grad rate: 53.3% |
-$33,580 | $46,589 | $22,565 | $26,000 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Saint Cloud State University
Grad rate: 45.5% |
-$95,846 | $43,173 | $21,389 | $25,000 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Winona State University
Grad rate: 60.7% |
-$119,459 | $42,406 | $23,373 | $25,250 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
College of Saint Benedict
Grad rate: 80.7% |
-$141,002 | $50,148 | $66,878 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Grad rate: 63.4% |
-$145,133 | $41,757 | $26,907 | $24,182 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Gustavus Adolphus College
Grad rate: 75.8% |
-$171,374 | $48,449 | $65,976 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Bethel University
Grad rate: 75.0% |
-$219,994 | $44,013 | $56,310 | $25,937 | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Grad rate: 55.0% |
-$247,340 | $36,532 | $34,495 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 11 |
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Grad rate: 55.0% |
-$250,210 | $35,978 | $24,419 | $23,774 | Full ROI → |
| 12 |
Concordia College at Moorhead
Grad rate: 70.7% |
-$267,023 | $38,968 | $43,074 | $25,250 | Full ROI → |
| 13 |
Hamline University
Grad rate: 63.4% |
-$291,922 | $40,574 | $56,738 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 14 |
Crown College
Grad rate: 57.5% |
-$322,624 | $34,861 | $44,961 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 15 |
St Catherine University
Grad rate: 64.5% |
-$325,520 | $39,486 | $58,432 | $30,750 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Communication and Media Studies Degrees by State
Browse Communication and Media Studies programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.