At $12,040/yr net price, Saint Paul College graduates earn $38,399/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,399/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,040 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,399/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,399/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,925 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,052/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,143/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,097/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,303/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,684/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $45,852 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $45,221 | $11,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,384 | $14,793 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $44,294 | $9,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $43,798 | $24,250 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,565 | $9,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at Saint Paul College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Saint Paul College delivers solid financial returns for technical programs but struggles with overall completion rates. The low net price of $12,040 annually makes this one of the most affordable paths to career training in Minnesota, but only if you actually finish.
Your best financial bets are the technical trades. Computer networking graduates earn $47,260 with manageable debt loads. Vehicle maintenance and electrical power programs both clear $45,000 annually, putting graduates well above the school's median earnings. Precision metalworking offers similar pay at just $9,500 in debt. These programs tap into Minnesota's strong manufacturing and infrastructure job market.
The major red flag is the 32% graduation rate. Two-thirds of students never complete their programs, meaning they rack up debt and time without the credentials that justify the investment. This risk hits hardest in programs with lower earning potential or longer completion timelines.
Allied health programs present mixed value. While graduates earn $44,384, they carry $14,793 in debt, the highest among top programs. You need to weigh whether the earning premium justifies the additional borrowing compared to other technical tracks.
This school works best for students entering high-demand technical fields who can commit to completion. The combination of low costs and strong regional employer connections creates genuine value in trades and technical programs. However, students uncertain about their commitment or considering programs outside the top earners face significant financial risk given the low completion rates.
Financial aid reaches just 40% of students, so most pay close to sticker price. The low base cost makes this less concerning than at expensive schools, but investigate payment plans if cash flow is tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Paul College worth the cost?
Saint Paul College offers decent value with a net price of $12,040 and relatively low debt of $10,925. However, the 32% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $38,399 after 10 years are modest for a college degree.
What are the best paying programs at Saint Paul College?
Computer Systems Networking leads at $47,260, followed by Vehicle Maintenance at $45,852 and Electrical programs at $45,221. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at Saint Paul College.
How much debt do Saint Paul College graduates have?
Saint Paul College graduates have a median debt of $10,925, which is manageable compared to many colleges. The low debt load helps offset the school's modest earning outcomes.
What is the graduation rate at Saint Paul College?
Only 32% of students graduate from Saint Paul College. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making the investment risky for some students.