At $21,563/yr net price, St Catherine University graduates earn $59,282/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,282/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,563 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,282/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,282/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,181 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,519/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,312/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,862/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,036/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,483/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. | Doctoral | $115,901 | $50,013 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $115,208 | $118,660 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,860 | $61,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,101 | $99,200 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $27,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,029 | $26,514 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,915 | $43,423 |
| 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 | $20,937 |
The Risk Factor
65.1% of students at St Catherine University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St. Catherine University delivers strong returns for health science majors but offers limited financial value outside healthcare fields. The school's nursing programs generate impressive median salaries near $100,000, making them financially worthwhile despite higher debt loads around $50,000-$60,000.
Your major choice determines everything at St. Catherine. Nursing and allied health programs justify their costs with six-figure starting salaries, while rehabilitation therapy offers solid mid-career earnings around $72,000. However, programs outside healthcare struggle to generate returns that match the $21,563 annual net price.
The school carries specific financial risks. Only 65% of students graduate within six years, meaning one-third pay tuition without earning a degree. The 78% retention rate suggests students leave after realizing the financial math doesn't work for their intended major. If you're not committed to healthcare, you're gambling on incomplete outcomes data for other programs.
St. Catherine makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or allied health and can handle the workload to graduate on time. The Twin Cities job market supports healthcare graduates well, and employers recognize the school's clinical training quality. Skip this school if you're exploring liberal arts, business, or social sciences where the earnings data suggests weak returns.
Financial aid reaches only 36% of students, so expect to pay close to full price unless you qualify for need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but won't dramatically reduce costs for most applicants. Your best cost strategy involves completing the nursing program quickly and leveraging the strong alumni network in Twin Cities hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Catherine University worth the cost for the education you get?
St Catherine University offers solid value primarily for nursing and health programs, where graduates earn $95,000-$115,000 annually. The $21,563 net price is reasonable, but the 65% graduation rate means one-third of students don't finish their degrees.
What majors at St Catherine University have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at St Catherine University provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $95,000-$115,000 per year. Allied health and rehabilitation therapy programs also pay well at $69,000-$115,000 annually.
How much debt do St Catherine University graduates typically have?
St Catherine University graduates have median debt of $24,181, which is manageable for nursing majors earning $95,000+ but could be problematic for lower-paying fields. The debt-to-income ratio works well for health programs but may strain graduates in other majors.
Does St Catherine University provide good financial aid to students?
St Catherine University brings costs down to a $21,563 net price through financial aid, making it more affordable than many private colleges. However, with a 92% acceptance rate, merit aid may be limited compared to more selective schools.