Accounting at College of Saint Benedict

College of Saint Benedict's accounting graduates start strong, earning $64,410 in their first year—outpacing 86% of accounting programs nationally and landing right alongside top Minnesota schools like the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas. The $26,925 in typical debt sits below both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that's quite manageable. However, earnings growth stalls almost completely after graduation, with just a 4% increase over four years to $66,880. This flatline is unusual for accounting, where professionals typically see steady advancement as they progress toward CPA certification and gain specialized experience.

The modest earnings trajectory helps explain why this program, despite its strong launch, ranks at the 60th percentile among Minnesota accounting programs—decent but not elite. Augsburg and Bethel graduates follow similar paths with comparable starting salaries. For a family paying private school tuition, the value proposition depends heavily on other factors at Saint Benedict, particularly if your student is drawn to the college's liberal arts focus or single-gender education model. The financial outcome alone looks solid but unremarkable compared to other Minnesota options that cost roughly the same.

If your child is committed to accounting and cost-conscious, this program won't hold them back, but it won't catapult them forward either. The real question is whether Saint Benedict's distinctive campus culture justifies choosing it over less expensive public alternatives or similarly priced competitors with stronger earnings momentum.