At $23,949/yr net price, The College of Saint Scholastica graduates earn $65,934/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,934/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,949 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,796 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,934/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,934/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,932/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,452/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,824/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,155/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,389/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. | Master | $109,763 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $95,930 | $58,685 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,383 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $75,204 | $62,982 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,881 | $97,359 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $72,022 | $34,134 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,536 | $17,640 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,990 | $84,330 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,984 | $20,650 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
63.0% of students at The College of Saint Scholastica graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The College of Saint Scholastica delivers strong returns for nursing students but mixed results elsewhere. Your financial outcome depends heavily on your major choice at this Duluth institution.
Nursing programs represent the clear winners here, with graduates earning over $95,000 annually. The top nursing track produces median earnings exceeding $109,000, making the $23,949 annual net price a solid investment. Business administration also shows decent returns at $75,383, though the gap between nursing and other programs is substantial.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions create a concerning financial picture. Graduates in this field carry nearly $97,000 in debt while earning $72,881, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. Health administration also saddles students with over $62,000 in debt for similar earnings.
The 63% graduation rate presents a significant risk. More than one-third of students never finish their degree, yet still accumulate debt and opportunity costs. The 78% retention rate suggests many students recognize fit issues after their first year.
Financial aid coverage appears limited, with only 23% of students receiving aid. This suggests you'll likely pay closer to the full net price without significant merit scholarship opportunities.
Saint Scholastica makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing and can complete the program. The school's regional reputation in healthcare creates strong job placement in the Twin Ports area. For other majors, especially therapeutic programs requiring graduate school, you'll find better value elsewhere. The combination of high debt loads and modest earnings in non-nursing fields creates poor return prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The College of Saint Scholastica worth the cost?
Saint Scholastica's value depends heavily on your major, with nursing graduates earning $95,000-$109,000 annually while other programs show weaker returns. The $24,000 annual net price creates decent ROI for health programs but questionable value for liberal arts majors.
What are the best paying majors at The College of Saint Scholastica?
Nursing programs dominate the top earnings at Saint Scholastica, with advanced nursing degrees reaching $109,000 and registered nursing at $95,000. Business and health administration follow at around $75,000, while other majors typically earn significantly less.
How much student debt do The College of Saint Scholastica graduates have?
Saint Scholastica graduates carry a median debt of $20,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates financial stress for lower-earning program graduates. The 63% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does The College of Saint Scholastica have good financial aid?
With a net price of $24,000 annually, Saint Scholastica provides moderate financial aid that brings costs below the sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment that only pays off well for students in health-related programs.