At $28,065/yr net price, College of Saint Benedict graduates earn $63,260/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,260/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,065 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,260/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,260/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,944 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,326/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,818/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,544/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,611/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,617/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $26,323 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,607 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $27,000 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Bachelor | $38,906 | $26,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,943 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $34,298 | $26,816 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $31,127 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
83.0% of students at College of Saint Benedict graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
College of Saint Benedict delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $63,260 annually within ten years. The $28,065 net price creates manageable debt loads averaging $26,944, making this a financially viable choice for most students.
Nursing leads the earnings pack at $63,005, justifying the investment for healthcare-bound students in Minnesota's strong medical job market. Accounting graduates earn $58,673 with slightly lower debt, positioning them well in the Twin Cities accounting sector. Business administration pays $51,607, respectable but not strong given the debt load.
Mathematics and communication majors face tougher financial prospects. Math graduates earn just $47,260 despite the program's academic strength, while communication majors see $41,193 returns against $27,000 in debt. These programs work better for students with graduate school plans or family financial support.
The school's 83% graduation rate reduces the risk of paying without finishing, and the strong 88% retention rate suggests good student support. However, only 19% of students receive need-based aid, meaning you'll likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for merit scholarships.
Saint Benedict works best for students targeting nursing or business careers who can handle the debt payments. The strong alumni network in Minnesota provides job placement advantages that justify the premium. Skip this school if you're majoring in lower-earning fields without clear graduate school plans, as cheaper state options will serve you better financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Saint Benedict worth the cost?
College of Saint Benedict graduates earn $63,260 annually after 10 years, which is reasonable for the $28,065 annual net price. The nursing programs offer the best return with graduates earning over $63,000, while other majors like communication studies may struggle to justify the cost at $41,193 in earnings.
What are the best paying majors at College of Saint Benedict?
Nursing programs at College of Saint Benedict provide the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $63,005 annually. Accounting ($58,673) and business administration ($51,607) also offer decent prospects, but mathematics and communication majors earn significantly less.
How much debt do College of Saint Benedict students graduate with?
The median debt at College of Saint Benedict is $26,944, which is manageable given the average graduate earnings of $63,260. However, students in lower-paying majors like communication studies may face debt-to-income challenges.
Does College of Saint Benedict have good job placement after graduation?
College of Saint Benedict has an 83% graduation rate, indicating most students complete their degrees. The school's nursing programs appear to have strong career outcomes based on graduate earnings, though specific job placement data varies by major.