At $17,566/yr net price, Concordia University-Saint Paul graduates earn $59,871/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,871/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,566 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,871/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,871/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,832 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,356/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,388/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,449/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,112/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,335/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $79,688 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,795 | $31,500 |
| Education, Other. | Certificate | $69,338 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $64,990 | $24,701 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $27,754 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $59,417 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $58,673 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $22,011 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,054 | $18,422 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $54,578 | $16,000 |
The Risk Factor
58.8% of students at Concordia University-Saint Paul graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers weak to mixed returns on your investment, with a concerning graduation rate of just 58.8% that undermines the financial picture. The school's $59,871 median earnings barely justify the $17,566 annual net price, especially when you factor in the high risk of not completing your degree.
Educational Administration and Business Administration programs deliver the strongest returns at $79,688 and $75,795 respectively, though Business Administration saddles you with $31,500 in debt. Criminal Justice graduates earn $64,990 with more manageable $24,701 debt loads. Computer Science disappoints at $62,012 given the field's typical earning potential elsewhere.
The biggest financial risk here is the low graduation rate combined with poor retention of 67.3%. You face a one-in-three chance of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. The school's heavy reliance on aid packages means your actual costs could vary significantly from advertised rates.
Concordia works financially for Minnesota residents pursuing education or business careers who value the small campus environment and can secure substantial financial aid. The relatively low debt loads make it viable if you're confident about graduating. However, computer science students and anyone seeking prestige-dependent careers should look elsewhere. Out-of-state students paying full price face particularly poor value given the modest earning outcomes and graduation risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concordia University-Saint Paul worth the cost?
With graduates earning $59,871 ten years after enrollment and relatively low median debt of $17,832, Concordia University-Saint Paul offers decent value for the price. However, the 58.8% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at Concordia University-Saint Paul?
Educational Administration leads at $79,688 annually, followed by Business Administration at $75,795. Computer Science graduates earn $62,012, which is lower than typical for tech programs at other schools.
How much debt do Concordia University-Saint Paul graduates typically have?
The median debt is $17,832, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. At current graduate earnings levels, this debt load should be reasonable for most students who complete their degrees.
Does Concordia University-Saint Paul have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,566 per year suggests decent financial aid for a private university. This makes the school more accessible than its sticker price would indicate.