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 gives you a low-debt path into skilled technical work, but the payoff depends entirely on which program you pick. With a median debt near $11,000, you won't leave buried in loans, and that changes the math on a school where median earnings sit under $40,000. The debt is small enough that even a modest wage bump over a high school baseline can justify the cost.
The technical and health tracks are where the money is. The computer systems networking associate leads at $47,260, and the certificate programs in vehicle repair, electrical and power transmission, and precision metal working all clear $44,000 while carrying debt around $9,500 to $11,000. That combination of decent pay and low borrowing is the strongest ROI here. The precision metal working certificate is a clear win: you pay off less than $10,000 in debt for a job paying over $44,000.
The main risk is the graduation rate. Only about a third of students finish, and if you drop out you keep the debt without the credential that makes these wages possible. The earnings figures above apply to people who completed. Enroll only if you're confident you'll finish a specific program.
The net price climbs with income, from around $11,000 for families under $48,000 to nearly $18,000 for those over $110,000. If your family earns under $48,000, the sticker cost barely moves and stays affordable against the technical-program salaries.
This school fits you if you want a specific trade or technical credential and plan to work in the Twin Cities region. Look elsewhere if you want a general associate degree with no clear career target, since the median $38,399 earnings across all programs is weak on its own.
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.