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 pays off if you go into health care, and less so if you don't. The median graduate earns about $59,000 ten years out against a net price just over $21,000 a year, and median debt sits close to a single year's earnings for most graduates. That's a manageable balance, but the average hides a wide split between programs.
Nursing and allied health diagnostics are the clear winners here. Both land graduates near $68,000-$69,000, well above the school-wide median, and Minnesota's Twin Cities metro has a deep hospital and clinic market to absorb them. The debt for these programs runs a bit higher (around $27,000), but the earnings carry it. If you come to St Catherine for a health credential, the math works.
Outside health care, returns thin out. Accounting graduates land near $53,000 and economics near $51,000 while carrying the heaviest debt on this list at about $29,000. Both still clear the net price, but the margin is tighter and the payoff slower. If you're paying full sticker to major in economics, look hard at that debt figure first.
The main financial risk is completion. About a fifth of your class won't return after year one, and a third won't finish. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, and the nursing pipeline is demanding enough that this matters.
Net price barely moves across income here. A family under $30,000 pays around $17,500. a family over $110,000 pays about $26,500. That flat curve means lower-income families get less relief than at schools with steeper aid, so budget for close to full price regardless of income. St Catherine is a strong fit if you're set on nursing or allied health. If you're undecided, weigh a cheaper option.
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.