Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.9%
- Retention Rate
- 84.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $65,607
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,774
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $284/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,196 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,995 | $26,500 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $23,250 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,302 | $25,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,166 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $27,000 |
| Geography and Cartography. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,745 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,179 | $25,791 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Gustavus graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $26,774 and earn $65,607 ten years out. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 41%, which is reasonable for a liberal arts education. Monthly loan payments of $284 consume about 5% of typical graduate income. The school's 97.8% employment rate reflects strong career preparation across fields like education, nonprofit work, and business. Many graduates leverage the college's Lutheran values and liberal arts foundation in service-oriented careers. The strong alumni network, including figures like Senator Paul Wellstone, opens doors in Minnesota and beyond. With graduates earning above-average salaries while managing moderate debt loads, Gustavus offers a strong return on investment.