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Saint John's University stands out among Minnesota's Catholic colleges with graduates earning $76,786 annually, the highest in the state's Catholic education sector. The state's six Catholic institutions serve 14,053 students across price points ranging from Saint Mary's University at $21,034 to the University of St. Thomas at $30,525. College of Saint Benedict achieves an 83% graduation rate, while most schools maintain acceptance rates above 85%, making Catholic higher education accessible to Minnesota families. These colleges connect directly to the state's major employers, with graduates entering healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic, retail giants like Target, and the expanding Twin Cities tech sector. Minnesota's State Grant program provides additional support for low-income students, reducing the effective cost at institutions like St. Catherine University. The geographic spread from Duluth to Winona ensures Catholic education reaches students across the state's varied regions.
6
Schools
$25,359
Avg. Net Price
$66,195
Avg. Earnings
71.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in Minnesota

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 6,014 $30,525 75.2% 77.0%
2 1,468 $27,018 75.7% 86.2%
3 1,392 $28,065 83.0% 87.8%
4 1,725 $23,949 63.0% 96.6%
5 1,061 $21,034 67.7% 96.8%
6 2,393 $21,563 65.1% 92.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint John's University graduates earn more than other Catholic colleges?

Saint John's graduates earn $76,786 annually, reflecting the school's strong liberal arts foundation and alumni network. The 1,468-student college maintains a 75.7% graduation rate with 86.2% acceptance, combining selectivity with completion success in Minnesota's competitive job market.

How affordable are Minnesota's Catholic colleges compared to national averages?

Net prices range from $21,034 at Saint Mary's University to $30,525 at the University of St. Thomas. Minnesota's State Grant program reduces costs further for qualifying families, making Catholic education more accessible than many private alternatives nationwide.

Is the College of Saint Benedict's 83% graduation rate typical for Catholic schools?

Saint Benedict's 83% graduation rate leads Minnesota's Catholic colleges, significantly higher than the 63-67% range at some institutions. The 1,392-student women's college demonstrates how smaller Catholic institutions can achieve superior completion rates through focused support.

Does the University of St. Thomas justify its higher cost?

At $30,525 net price, St. Thomas serves 6,014 students with a 75.2% graduation rate and graduates earning $73,739. The larger scale provides more programs and resources, though Saint John's smaller size delivers higher graduate earnings at lower cost.

Where do Minnesota Catholic college graduates find employment?

Graduates enter Minnesota's healthcare sector through Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth, retail leadership at Target, and growing tech companies. The state's economic diversity provides career paths matching Catholic colleges' liberal arts and professional program strengths across all six institutions.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.