Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at Minnesota State University-Mankato
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Minnesota State-Mankato's Industrial Production Technologies program starts graduates around $64,500—solid money, but landing in the middle of Minnesota's pack at the 40th percentile. That's several thousand below the state median of $67,000 and noticeably behind Saint Cloud State's $69,600. Given that both are public institutions where tuition differences would be minimal, this earnings gap matters for Minnesota residents choosing between in-state options.
The debt load of $28,500 is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, meaning graduates earn more than twice what they owe. That's better than most programs nationally. Earnings do grow steadily to over $70,000 by year four, though one caution: the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), so individual circumstances could swing these numbers significantly in either direction.
If your student is deciding between Minnesota State options for this field, Saint Cloud appears to offer better earnings momentum. However, if they're already committed to Mankato for location or fit reasons, the financial picture isn't problematic—graduates can reasonably handle the debt. Just recognize they're not getting the strongest earnings potential available within the state for this credential.
Where Minnesota State University-Mankato Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates compare to all programs nationally
Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates earn $65k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | $64,528 | $70,279 | $28,500 | 0.44 |
| Saint Cloud State University | $69,616 | $67,231 | $16,084 | 0.23 |
| National Median | $59,822 | — | $24,250 | 0.41 |
Other Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud | $10,117 | $69,616 | $16,084 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Minnesota State University-Mankato, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.