At $22,752/yr net price, St Olaf College graduates earn $65,543/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,543/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,752 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,543/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,543/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,504/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,927/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,236/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,245/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,708/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $23,125 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,623 | $27,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $26,671 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $23,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $27,000 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $23,762 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $24,988 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $24,250 |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
83.5% of students at St Olaf College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
St Olaf College delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $65,543 putting graduates well above the national average despite moderate debt levels. The school's 83.5% graduation rate means you're likely to finish your degree and start earning.
Computer science majors see the strongest returns at $76,460 annually with below-average debt of $23,125. Nursing graduates earn $60,623 with reasonable debt loads, making both programs clear financial winners. Economics majors face a tougher picture at $52,107, while education majors earn just $42,123 despite carrying $27,000 in debt.
The school's biggest financial risk is its low financial aid penetration rate of just 20%, meaning most families pay close to full price. With a net price of $22,752, you'll need solid family financial resources or strong merit aid to make the numbers work. The high retention rate of 90.5% suggests students who enroll can typically afford to stay.
St Olaf works best financially for families who can handle the cost without extensive borrowing, particularly if you're pursuing computer science or nursing. The strong alumni network in the Twin Cities region helps with job placement. Avoid St Olaf if you're taking on significant debt for lower-earning majors like education or if you need substantial need-based aid, since few students receive it.
Focus your scholarship search on merit aid opportunities, as these appear to be your primary path to cost reduction at this school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Olaf College worth the cost?
St Olaf graduates earn $65,543 after 10 years with median debt of $26,000, giving a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The school's strong graduation rate of 83.5% and net price of $22,752 make it a decent value, especially for students pursuing computer science or nursing.
What are the highest paying majors at St Olaf College?
Computer science leads at $76,460 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $60,623. Economics graduates earn $52,107, while education majors start at $42,123, which may struggle to justify the debt load.
How much debt do St Olaf College students graduate with?
The median debt is $26,000, which is manageable compared to the $65,543 median salary 10 years out. Students in lower-paying fields like education should consider whether this debt level works with starting salaries around $42,000.
Does St Olaf College provide good financial aid?
The net price of $22,752 suggests decent financial aid for a private liberal arts college. However, students should compare aid packages carefully since the sticker price is much higher and aid varies significantly by family income.