Business Administration, Management and Operations at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's business graduates earn substantially more than most of their peers nationwide, yet they're middle-of-the-pack in Minnesota—a telling combination that reflects the state's unusually strong business program landscape. Starting at $56,290 puts these graduates at the 86th percentile nationally but only the 60th percentile in Minnesota, where competition from the University of Minnesota system and several strong private programs drives up the baseline. The 27% earnings growth to $71,352 by year four suggests solid career progression, though graduates from top Minnesota programs start even higher.

The debt picture looks favorable: at $29,482, students graduate owing just slightly more than the state median, and the 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio means the typical graduate owes about half their first-year salary—a manageable threshold by most standards. This is particularly notable given Saint Mary's 89% admission rate and the fact that it serves a fairly traditional student population (only 22% receive Pell grants), suggesting the program delivers strong placement without requiring premium credentials or serving primarily returning adult students.

For families comparing Minnesota options, this program offers solid middle-tier value. You're paying roughly what you'd pay elsewhere in the state but getting better-than-average national outcomes without the competitive admissions pressure of top programs. If your student can gain admission to Minnesota-Twin Cities or secure strong aid at Capella, those would offer meaningfully higher starting salaries. Otherwise, Saint Mary's provides a reliable path to above-average business careers without excessive debt burden.