Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests reasonable affordability here, though the figures require context: both the first-year salary and debt estimates come from national medians for similar programs, not Saint Cloud State's actual graduate outcomes. With only one Business/Managerial Economics bachelor's program in Minnesota, there's no in-state comparison to gauge whether this school over- or under-performs its peers.
The four-year earnings figure of $60,849 represents actual reported data and shows solid mid-career progression from the estimated starting point. That $7,600 jump suggests graduates gain traction in their fields, though without knowing the actual starting salary for Saint Cloud State specifically, it's unclear whether this growth trajectory matches, exceeds, or lags what comparable programs deliver. The estimated $21,125 debt load sits slightly below the national median of $22,250, which is encouraging if accurate.
The reality is you're making a decision with incomplete information. The 95% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest Saint Cloud State serves a broad student population, which can be an advantage for students who need access over selectivity. But without this program's actual earnings data, you're betting that it performs roughly in line with the national average for managerial economics degreesβa reasonable assumption, but still an assumption. If your child has strong business aptitude and reasonable alternatives, compare actual outcomes data from those schools before committing.
Where Saint Cloud State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Cloud State University | β | $60,849 | β |
| Villanova University | $82,212 | $122,309 | +49% |
| Lehigh University | $81,796 | $101,741 | +24% |
| Brigham Young University | $75,227 | $97,349 | +29% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $83,604 | $92,873 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,117 | $53,219* | $60,849 | $21,125* | β | |
| $62,982 | $106,701* | β | β* | β | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $53,219* | β | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Saint Cloud State University, approximately 20% 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 national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.