Business Administration, Management and Operations at College of Saint Benedict

College of Saint Benedict's business program produces graduates who earn substantially more than their peers—but they're also paying Minnesota's premium private school prices for outcomes that sit in the middle of the state pack. First-year earnings of $54,373 beat the national median by nearly $9,000 and place this program in the 80th percentile nationally. The debt load of $27,000 is actually quite reasonable for a private college, translating to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than most business programs nationally.

The complication emerges when you zoom into Minnesota specifically. At the 60th percentile statewide, graduates here earn less than the University of Minnesota system and several other alternatives, despite the school's selective liberal arts environment. That said, the 28% earnings growth to nearly $70,000 by year four suggests the program builds a solid foundation for career progression, even if it doesn't catapult graduates into the highest-paying roles immediately.

For families who value the small-school experience and can afford it without excessive borrowing, this program delivers respectable outcomes without creating problematic debt. But if maximizing early career earnings is the priority, other Minnesota options offer stronger returns at both higher and lower price points.