At $26,895/yr net price, Gustavus Adolphus College graduates earn $65,607/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,607/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,895 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,607/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,607/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,774 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,799/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,251/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,611/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,149/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,227/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
75.9% of students at Gustavus Adolphus College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Gustavus Adolphus College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for STEM and business majors but weaker performance in other areas. The $65,607 median earnings after ten years barely justify the $26,895 annual net price, especially considering the 24% of students who don't graduate within six years.
Computer Science and Nursing programs offer the best financial prospects, with graduates earning around $64,000 annually. Accounting majors also see solid returns at nearly $58,000, while Mathematics and Economics graduates earn modestly above the school median. However, many liberal arts programs likely underperform these numbers significantly.
The debt burden remains manageable at $26,774 median, but only 21% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. This creates a particular risk if you're paying close to the sticker price without strong career earnings potential from your chosen major.
Gustavus works best financially if you're pursuing one of the higher-earning programs and can graduate on time. The 84% retention rate indicates most students stay engaged, but the graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish. Rural Minnesota's job market may limit local opportunities after graduation, potentially requiring relocation for optimal career outcomes.
You should look elsewhere if you're interested in liberal arts fields without clear career paths, especially if you're paying full price. The school makes more financial sense for pre-professional students in nursing, accounting, or computer science who can leverage the strong alumni network in the Twin Cities region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gustavus Adolphus College worth the money?
With a net price of $26,895 and graduates earning $65,607 after 10 years, Gustavus Adolphus College offers solid ROI for a private liberal arts school. The median debt of $26,774 is manageable given the earning potential, though outcomes vary significantly by major.
What are the best paying majors at Gustavus Adolphus College?
Computer Science leads at $64,196 starting salary, followed closely by Nursing at $63,005 and Accounting at $57,995. Economics graduates earn notably less at $52,107, showing major choice significantly impacts financial returns at Gustavus Adolphus.
How much debt do Gustavus Adolphus College students graduate with?
The median debt at Gustavus Adolphus College is $26,774, which is reasonable for a private college. With the 10-year median earnings of $65,607, most graduates should be able to manage their loan payments without major financial strain.
Does Gustavus Adolphus College have good job placement rates?
With a 75.9% graduation rate and 10-year median earnings of $65,607, Gustavus Adolphus College produces decent employment outcomes. The 73.9% acceptance rate means it's not highly selective, but graduates still find solid career paths, especially in STEM and healthcare fields.