Analysis
In Minnesota, psychology bachelor's programs show significant variation in early outcomes, and Saint John's lands in the middle of the pack. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $36,200—below what nearby College of Saint Benedict ($41,000) and Metropolitan State ($41,000) graduates report, but on par with the state median. By year four, earnings climb to $54,200, which represents strong income growth and suggests the program positions graduates reasonably well for career advancement.
The $26,400 in typical debt sits right at Minnesota's average for psychology programs and translates to a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable but not impressive. For context, this is less debt than the national median for psychology degrees, though the program's first-year earnings don't match the advantage seen at peer schools in Minnesota. With 90% of applicants admitted and only 18% receiving Pell grants, Saint John's serves a relatively advantaged student body, which may help explain why debt levels remain controlled.
The four-year earnings jump is the most encouraging signal here, indicating that graduates develop marketable skills over time. However, parents should recognize that these early-career figures are drawn from comparable programs statewide, not Saint John's specific track record. The program appears to deliver solid mid-term results, but families should verify whether graduates are actually securing positions that justify the investment, particularly given stronger outcomes reported at similarly-priced Minnesota colleges.
Where Saint Johns University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology 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 Johns University | — | $54,193 | — |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | $33,174 | $53,981 | +63% |
| University of St Thomas | $38,396 | $51,174 | +33% |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | $31,367 | $50,740 | +62% |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul | $36,243 | $49,552 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $53,942 | $36,243* | $54,193 | $26,428 | — | |
| $53,884 | $41,029* | $45,302 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $9,780 | $40,958* | $44,425 | $30,155 | 0.74 | |
| $14,436 | $39,764* | $43,554 | $40,816 | 1.03 | |
| $14,318 | $38,543* | $45,061 | $24,225 | 0.63 | |
| $52,284 | $38,396* | $51,174 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482* | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Johns University, approximately 18% 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 23 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.