Social Sciences at College of Saint Benedict

Minnesota's Social Sciences programs typically start graduates around $42,000, but comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings closer to $37,500—meaning this field may underperform locally despite the state's stronger labor market. The estimated $27,000 debt load yields a manageable 0.72 ratio, well below the concerning threshold of 1.0, but that calculation assumes earnings hold steady through the critical debt repayment years.

The gap between state and national benchmarks is worth examining closely. Metropolitan State graduates report $42,000 in starting pay, roughly $4,500 more than what peer programs nationally suggest for this degree. Whether College of Saint Benedict's outcomes align more with Minnesota's stronger trajectory or the national average will significantly impact how quickly your child can establish financial independence after graduation.

With a 91% admission rate and below-average Pell enrollment, this school draws students who may have additional family resources for support during the post-graduation transition. That context matters when evaluating a degree where starting salaries—even at Minnesota levels—require careful budgeting to manage debt payments. Request the school's actual placement data for recent Social Sciences graduates, including which sectors and roles they enter, since the national estimates don't capture whether this program connects students to Minnesota's better-paying opportunities.