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Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN·Public·11,325 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Minnesota residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 11,325 students.

91%
Accept
11,325
Students
$18,609
Net Price
54%
Grad Rate
$48,400
Earnings
10 yr
$14,000
Debt

About This School

Minnesota State University-Mankato is a public institution located in Mankato, Minnesota with approximately 11,325 undergraduate students enrolled. Minnesota State University-Mankato has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 91%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,609 per year. The graduation rate is 54%, and the typical graduate earns $48,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university in Mankato, Minnesota, United States. It is Minnesota's second-largest university, and has over 145,000 living alumni worldwide. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and is commonly referred to as the flagship institution. It was established as the "Second State Normal School" in 1858 and officially opened as "Mankato Normal School" a decade later.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the low median debt at graduation ($14,000) and affordable net price make this one of the better public school values in the region, but a 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students who start here don't finish — worth asking hard questions about academic support and fit before enrolling. On the positive side, median earnings of $48,400 a decade out are solid relative to the cost, and the 80% freshman retention rate suggests most students who stick through year one do find their footing. Worth considering if you're a Minnesota resident looking for an affordable, mid-sized state school, but come in with a clear plan and the discipline to see it through.

Founded
1868
Setting
Small city
Mascot
Stomper the Maverick

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Health Professions18%
Education7%
Engineering6%
Psychology5%
Computer Science4%
Biological Sciences3%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tim WalzBillie Joe ArmstrongDavid BackesMelissa PetermanTeodors BļugersCedric YarbroughRyan CarterBonya AhmedShirley Ardell MasonAlfred Bitini XumaAssem Marei

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1190

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,490
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,860
Avg Net Price
$18,609
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants20%
Median debt at graduation$14,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
54%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White72%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (11,325 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Minnesota State University-Mankato

South Rd and Ellis Ave

Mankato, MN 56001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Minnesota

Browse all Minnesota schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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