At $21,034/yr net price, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates earn $58,170/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,170/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,034 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,136 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,170/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,170/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,421/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,972/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,418/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,072/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,934/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. | Master | $188,108 | $81,234 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $97,071 | $12,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $83,325 | $53,760 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $82,440 | $27,333 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,469 | $34,166 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $62,012 | $40,193 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,350 | $22,944 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $59,124 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $58,221 | $40,998 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $55,964 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
67.7% of students at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers solid return on investment for specific career paths but uneven results across all programs. Your earning potential depends heavily on your major choice at this Winona campus.
Nursing programs deliver the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning up to $188,000 annually. However, debt loads vary dramatically within nursing tracks, ranging from $12,500 to over $81,000. Educational administration also pays well at $82,000-$83,000, though you'll carry substantial debt approaching $54,000 in some cases.
Business administration graduates earn $72,469 with moderate debt of $34,166, creating a reasonable payback timeline. The school's regional location in southeastern Minnesota limits high-paying opportunities outside healthcare and education, making major selection critical for financial success.
You face financial risk if you pursue programs outside these top-earning fields. The 67% graduation rate means one-third of students leave without degrees while carrying debt. The 79% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause some students to transfer.
This school works best financially if you're committed to nursing, education leadership, or business careers in the Upper Midwest. The $21,034 annual net price is reasonable for a private institution, and only 22% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting merit scholarships may be available.
Avoid Saint Mary's if you're exploring liberal arts fields without clear career paths or if you need urban job markets for your chosen field. The school's strength lies in professional programs with direct career pipelines, not broad exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Mary's University of Minnesota worth the cost?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers reasonable value with a net price of $21,034 and median debt of $21,500, both below national averages. The nursing programs provide strong returns with graduates earning up to $188,108, but other programs show more modest outcomes with 10-year median earnings of $58,170.
What are the best paying programs at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
Nursing programs at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota deliver the highest returns, with advanced nursing degrees leading to median earnings of $188,108 and $97,071. Educational administration and business management programs offer more moderate returns in the $72,000-$83,000 range.
How much debt do Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates have?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to the national average of around $30,000. With a 67.7% graduation rate, about one-third of students don't complete their degree, which increases financial risk.
Does Saint Mary's University of Minnesota have good financial aid?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's net price of $21,034 suggests decent financial aid support, bringing costs below many private universities. However, with a 96.8% acceptance rate, the school may be less selective about aid distribution than more competitive institutions.