St Catherine University: 92.5% Acceptance Rate

92.5%Acceptance

$49,758Tuition

2,393Students

65%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,282Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About St Catherine University

St. Catherine University is one of the nation's leading Catholic women's colleges, drawing 2,393 students to its Saint Paul campus. The school has built a reputation for excellence in health sciences, education, and liberal arts while maintaining a strong commitment to social justice. Notable graduates include journalist and former Miss America Gretchen Carlson, reflecting the university's tradition of helping women leaders. With a 92.53% acceptance rate, St. Kate's welcomes students who are ready to engage in meaningful academic work within a supportive community.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. While tuition lists at $49,758, the average student pays just $21,563 after aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $59,282 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $24,181. Monthly loan payments average $256, a manageable amount given the earning potential. The employment rate hits 96.5%, suggesting strong career preparation.

The student body reflects remarkable diversity for a women's college, with 50% white students alongside significant Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. With 95.53% women and just 4.47% men, the campus creates an environment where women's voices dominate every conversation. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term experiences.

Academics & Faculty

St. Catherine's operates as a Catholic women's university with a strong reputation in health sciences, education, and social work. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships with professors. The university's nursing and healthcare programs are particularly well-regarded, preparing graduates for careers in Minnesota's robust healthcare sector. The 65% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive academic environment, though some students take longer to complete demanding health science coursework. St. Kate's follows a Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January term for intensive study or internships. The liberal arts foundation emphasizes social justice themes central to Catholic education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 64.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.1%
Retention Rate: 78.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,282
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$115,901
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$115,208
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$95,860
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$72,101
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$69,338
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$68,029
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$66,915
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations.	Bachelor	$65,053
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$58,221
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$57,920

View all 107 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where 96% of students are women. The Saint Paul campus sits just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, giving students easy access to internships and cultural activities in the Twin Cities. Minnesota winters demand serious preparation - expect snow boots and heavy coats from November through March.

With housing capacity for 800 students out of 2,393 enrolled, about one-third live on campus in residence halls that foster the school's collaborative atmosphere. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often become mentors. Weekends blend service learning with city exploration - students might volunteer at local nonprofits in the morning then catch a Twins game or explore the Mississippi riverfront.

The Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service opportunities and reflection, though students of all backgrounds find community here. Study groups gather in the library's quiet corners, while the campus center buzzes with conversations about everything from nursing clinicals to education practicum experiences. The Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term perfect for travel courses or deep-dive research projects.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 800 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	4	3
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Dating Violence	2	0
Domestic Violence	1	1
Burglary	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 6°–23°F
July Avg: 63°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This Catholic women's university draws students who are passionate about making a difference through service and leadership. With 96% women, the campus creates a unique environment focused on helping female leaders. About 82% of students come from Minnesota, reflecting the school's strong local reputation in health sciences and education. The student body is diverse, with half being students of color. Over a third receive Pell Grants, showing St. Catherine's commitment to making education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds who share its social justice mission.

Men: 4.5%
Women: 95.5%
White: 50.0%
Black: 17.2%
Hispanic: 13.3%
Asian: 12.1%
In-State Students: 82.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.8%

Location

St Catherine University sits in Saint Paul, Minnesota's capital city, forming half of the Twin Cities metropolitan area alongside Minneapolis. The campus lies just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, giving students access to a metro area home to over 3.6 million people. Saint Paul's tree-lined neighborhoods and historic architecture create a distinctly different feel from its flashier twin city across the Mississippi River. The university draws 81.96% of its students from Minnesota, reflecting strong regional ties. Students enjoy easy access to internships, cultural attractions, and major employers like 3M and Target headquartered nearby. The Twin Cities' extensive bike trail system and four-season climate define campus life. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare St Catherine University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105

Derham Hall and Our Lady of Victory Chapel

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,282
Median Earnings (5 years): $66,637
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $256/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,181

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at St Catherine University?

St Catherine University accepts 92.53% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1155 and 1450 on the SAT. This Catholic women's university focuses on helping women through education rather than exclusivity.

How much does St Catherine University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,563 after financial aid, less than the $49,758 sticker price. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income families. Graduates typically leave with $24,181 in debt and monthly loan payments of $256.

What is the student-faculty ratio at St Catherine University?

The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. With 2,393 total students, the university maintains an intimate learning environment. St Catherine is particularly known for its strong programs in health sciences, education, and liberal arts with a social justice emphasis.

What are the career outcomes for St Catherine University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $59,282 ten years after graduation, with a 96.5% employment rate. The 65.1% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on supporting women through their academic journey. The school's emphasis on service-oriented careers in health and education contributes to strong job placement.

Where is St Catherine University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with housing for 800 students in a city setting. About 82% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Wildcats compete in nine NCAA Division III sports in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Is St Catherine University really just for women?

Yes, women make up 95.53% of the student body, with only 4.47% men in select graduate programs. This Catholic institution maintains its mission as a women's university founded on helping female leaders. The diverse student body includes 50% white students, 17% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students.