At $30,525/yr net price, University of St Thomas graduates earn $73,739/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,739/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,525 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $122,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,739/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,739/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,922/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,049/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,471/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,807/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,192/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $101,300 | $61,317 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $88,527 | $42,843 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $80,124 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $73,321 | $22,454 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,686 | $26,122 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $69,897 | $18,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,101 | $27,000 |
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Master | $64,493 |
The Risk Factor
75.2% of students at University of St Thomas graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of St Thomas delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $73,739 ten years after graduation, though your major choice will largely determine whether you come out ahead. Business Administration graduates earn $101,300 annually but carry $61,317 in debt, creating a payoff timeline that extends well beyond other programs. Computer Science offers the best debt-to-income ratio at $73,321 in earnings with just $22,454 in debt.
The school's 75% graduation rate creates risk for students who don't finish, particularly given the $30,525 annual net price. Criminal Justice graduates earn $75,204, respectable but not strong for the investment required. Mechanical Engineering and general Computer and Information Sciences both deliver strong earning potential in Minnesota's growing tech sector.
You face a significant financial aid disadvantage here, with only 19.6% of students receiving aid compared to national averages. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense. The median debt of $23,250 remains manageable for most graduates, though this varies dramatically by program.
St Thomas works financially if you can secure substantial merit aid or family support, particularly for business or engineering programs that tap into Minneapolis-St Paul's corporate headquarters ecosystem. Avoid this school if you need substantial need-based aid or plan to study lower-earning majors without clear career pathways. The Twin Cities job market supports most graduates well, but you'll pay premium prices for access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of St Thomas worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $30,525 and 10-year median earnings of $73,739, University of St Thomas graduates earn about 2.4 times their annual college costs. The relatively low median debt of $23,250 helps make the investment more manageable than many private universities.
Which University of St Thomas programs have the best return on investment?
Business Administration leads with $101,300 median earnings, followed by Computer Science at $88,527 and Mechanical Engineering at $80,124. Criminal Justice graduates earn $75,204, which is closer to the school average but still provides solid returns.
How much debt do University of St Thomas graduates typically have?
The median debt is $23,250, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. With starting salaries in most programs exceeding $70,000, graduates can typically manage this debt load without major financial strain.
Does University of St Thomas provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $30,525 suggests the school offers meaningful aid since the sticker price is higher. However, this is still expensive compared to public options, so aid effectiveness depends heavily on your family's financial situation.