University of Minnesota-Rochester
University of Minnesota-Rochester — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Minnesota-Rochester at a Glance
The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is a public college in Rochester, Minnesota, United States. It is part of the University of Minnesota system and focuses primarily on general health sciences. It was formally established by an act of the state legislature in December 2006. UMR currently offers two bachelor's degrees in the health sciences, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Health Professions.
2006
20 years old
1,122
632 undergrad
Identity
How to Apply to University of Minnesota-Rochester
Official admissions pageMarch 31
January 31 (Early Action I)
$55
Fee waiver available
Fee waiver
Is University of Minnesota-Rochester Worth It?
University of Minnesota-Rochester delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $13,744/year, it's priced 33% below average, while graduates go on to earn $69,020 — 28% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 57% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: University of Minnesota-Rochester delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How University of Minnesota-Rochester compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 of 12 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Minnesota-Rochester | 72 | $13,744 | $69,020 |
| #2 | Ohio University-Eastern Campus | 68 | $3,925 | $52,581 |
| #3 | Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | 45 | $5,746 | $52,581 |
| #4 | Ohio University-Southern Campus | 44 | $5,993 | $52,581 |
| #5 | Potomac State College of West Virginia University | 43 | $9,197 | $55,939 |
| #6 | Miami University-Middletown | 36 | $10,809 | $55,076 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Minnesota-Rochester's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Minnesota-Rochester
The highest-earning program at University of Minnesota-Rochester is Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General at $44,400/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General graduate from University of Minnesota-Rochester earns $44,400, while a Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General graduate earns $44,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General graduates carry $22,746 in median debt vs. $22,746 for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,744/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $44,400 | $44,400 | $22,746 |
Similar Colleges in MN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Rochester, MN
- Student Body
- 568 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,744
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $69,020
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500