Analysis
Based on comparable mathematics programs in Minnesota, a bachelor's degree from College of Saint Benedict appears positioned in the middle of the state's pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $57,000 and debt near $23,000. These figures mirror the state median and fall well above the national benchmark of $49,000, suggesting Minnesota math graduates generally fare better than their peers nationwide.
The estimated 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by most standards—graduates would owe less than five months of their first-year salary. Similar programs at St. Olaf and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities report outcomes in the same range, which provides some reassurance that this estimate reflects realistic expectations for Minnesota liberal arts colleges. Mathematics degrees tend to open doors to diverse career paths in data analysis, actuarial work, and education, which may explain the relatively strong early earnings compared to many other liberal arts majors.
The caveat here is that these are peer-program estimates, not tracked outcomes from Saint Benedict's own graduates. The actual experience could differ based on factors like the college's specific industry connections, alumni network strength in quantitative fields, and how effectively students leverage their degree. For families comfortable with mid-$20,000 debt and confident in their student's quantitative aptitude, the typical Minnesota math graduate's trajectory suggests reasonable financial outcomes, though you're making this bet without school-specific data to confirm it.
Where College of Saint Benedict Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $53,884 | $57,166* | — | $23,000* | — | |
| $56,970 | $58,825* | $72,810 | $23,000* | 0.39 | |
| $16,488 | $58,153* | $72,102 | $22,095* | 0.38 | |
| $64,908 | $57,166* | — | $22,483* | 0.39 | |
| $14,318 | $55,482* | $65,774 | $23,975* | 0.43 | |
| $43,942 | $54,387* | — | $26,452* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of Saint Benedict, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.