Business/Commerce at University of Minnesota-Duluth

The small sample size here demands caution, but what we can see suggests UMN-Duluth's business program trails most Minnesota alternatives. Graduates earn $48,738 in their first year—actually above the national median, but notably below Minnesota's state median of $49,881. More concerning, this ranks in just the 40th percentile among the state's seven business programs, meaning six in ten Minnesota business programs produce higher-earning graduates. Meanwhile, Saint Cloud State's business grads earn nearly $11,000 more annually.

The debt picture is better but not great. At $23,250, graduates carry less than the national median, though still slightly below Minnesota's typical business program debt. The 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—graduates would need roughly half their first-year salary to pay off their loans—but this metric looks less favorable when you consider you could potentially earn more at other in-state options for similar or less debt.

For a Minnesota family, this program appears to offer middle-of-the-pack value. You're paying in-state tuition for below-state-median outcomes. If your student has stronger options among Minnesota's public universities—particularly Saint Cloud State—those merit serious consideration. However, if Duluth's location or campus culture is a strong draw and the debt load fits your family budget, the earnings are at least respectable enough to service the debt, even if they're not outstanding.