Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The University of Minnesota's nursing program sits in an unusual position: graduates earn slightly below both the state and national median for nursing BSNs, yet they carry $7,000 less debt than the typical Minnesota nursing graduate. The bigger question is whether moderate earnings of $73,000 growing only to $75,000 by year four justify attending the state's flagship university.
At 40th percentile within Minnesota, UMN trails not just online-focused institutions like Walden and Capella, but also regional competitors like Augsburg and Minnesota State Moorhead. That's striking for a research university with a 1359 average SAT score. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 looks manageable on paper, but when your peers at nearby programs earn $5,000-$15,000 more annually while serving similar patient populations, the calculation shifts. The minimal earnings growth after graduation suggests limited advancement opportunities or wage compression compared to nurses from other Minnesota programs.
The value proposition here depends heavily on your priorities. If you're seeking a traditional campus experience at a prestigious institution with lower debt, UMN delivers that. But if nursing career earnings are the primary concern, several Minnesota alternatives—including less selective schools—demonstrate stronger financial outcomes. For families paying out-of-state tuition, the case becomes even harder to justify.
Where University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $73k, placing them in the 39th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $72,929 | $74,652 | $21,500 | 0.29 |
| Walden University | $88,877 | $87,923 | $32,800 | 0.37 |
| Capella University | $85,426 | $82,005 | $27,826 | 0.33 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | $84,323 | $104,496 | $40,188 | 0.48 |
| Augsburg University | $80,574 | $77,817 | $23,441 | 0.29 |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $78,006 | $76,288 | $30,359 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University Minneapolis | $12,498 | $88,877 | $32,800 |
| Capella University Minneapolis | $14,436 | $85,426 | $27,826 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona | $43,160 | $84,323 | $40,188 |
| Augsburg University Minneapolis | $43,942 | $80,574 | $23,441 |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead | $10,336 | $78,006 | $30,359 |
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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, approximately 17% 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 165 graduates with reported earnings and 153 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.