Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Saint Johns University

A general studies bachelor's degree borrowing $27,000 to earn around $36,000 in year one creates manageable debt—but this picture looks considerably dimmer when you consider that similar programs across Minnesota typically produce first-year earnings of nearly $53,000. Based on data from comparable liberal arts programs nationally, Saint John's graduates would need roughly nine months of their gross income to cover their estimated debt, which is reasonable on paper. The challenge is that this earning potential falls substantially short of what peer programs in the state deliver.

The gap matters practically. Minnesota's stronger liberal arts programs—including the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at $56,778—suggest that location and institutional reputation significantly affect outcomes for these generalist degrees. While Saint John's 90% admission rate and relatively strong SAT scores (1220) indicate solid students, the estimated earnings here align with the national median rather than the higher-performing Minnesota market. For a degree that's inherently broad and relies heavily on what students make of it, starting at two-thirds of the state median creates real disadvantages in a competitive job market.

Your child would be betting that they can leverage Saint John's network and resources to outperform what these estimates suggest. That's possible—many students do—but without actual outcomes data from this specific program, you're making that bet blind. Consider whether your family has $27,000 to invest in a credential where comparable programs in-state are producing significantly stronger returns.