Economics at College of Saint Benedict

The estimated $25,800 debt load for this economics degree lands squarely in the middle range for Minnesota programs, though graduates here are competing against stronger earners from nearby schools. Similar Minnesota economics programs suggest first-year earnings around $56,570, which matches the state median but trails the top performers in the Twin Cities metro area by $5,000 to $10,000. That gap matters when your degree costs the same but your starting salary doesn't keep pace with what employers pay Carleton or St. Thomas graduates.

The 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper—peer programs indicate graduates could reasonably expect to manage their debt on a typical starting salary. But context matters: College of Saint Benedict's 91% admission rate and modest test scores suggest students here aren't necessarily competing for the same roles as those from more selective Minnesota programs. Economics degrees are portable credentials, yet the local market concentration in Minneapolis-St. Paul means your network and internship access during school significantly impact where you land after graduation.

For families weighing this choice, the debt burden appears reasonable based on comparable Minnesota programs, but you're banking on outcomes that match state averages without the competitive advantages that come with more selective programs. If your child has admission options at University of Minnesota or the higher-earning private colleges nearby, those reported outcomes suggest better returns for similar investment.