Analysis
With estimated debt around $26,400 and first-year earnings near $36,200 based on comparable Minnesota psychology programs, Saint Mary's appears positioned right at the state median—neither a standout nor a red flag. The 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable loan payments if graduates enter the workforce immediately, though psychology bachelor's degrees typically require graduate study for career advancement in the field.
The four-year earnings figure of nearly $50,000 tells a more optimistic story, showing meaningful income growth as graduates gain experience or pursue additional credentials. This trajectory matches what you'd expect from psychology majors who move into human services, business roles, or continue their education. Still, it's worth noting that the top-performing psychology programs in Minnesota—like College of Saint Benedict and Metropolitan State—show first-year earnings closer to $40,000, suggesting variation in outcomes across schools.
For parents evaluating this investment, the key question is your child's post-graduation plan. If they're committed to graduate school in clinical or counseling psychology, the undergraduate institution matters less than affordability and preparation quality. If they plan to work immediately, understand that entry-level psychology roles typically offer modest salaries, and this program's estimated outcomes align with that reality rather than exceeding it.
Where Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 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 Mary's University of Minnesota | — | $49,790 | — |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,160 | $36,243* | $49,790 | $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 Mary's University of Minnesota, approximately 22% 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.