Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's nursing graduates earn considerably more than typical Minnesota nurses—$84,323 in the first year compared to the state median of $75,577. This puts them in the 82nd percentile nationally and solidly above most nursing programs in the state. The debt load of $40,188 is higher than the state's $28,495 median, but the strong earnings keep the debt-to-income ratio at a manageable 0.48. More importantly, earnings jump 24% by year four to over $104,000, suggesting graduates are advancing quickly into leadership or specialized roles that justify the "nursing administration" focus.

The value calculation here comes down to whether the extra $12,000 in debt (compared to state averages) pays off in career trajectory. The evidence says yes: first-year earnings are $8,700 above state medians, meaning graduates recoup that additional investment in roughly 18 months. By year four, they're earning nearly $29,000 more than what typical Minnesota nursing grads make initially, indicating this program may open doors to higher-level positions faster than competitors.

For families weighing options, Saint Mary's represents the higher-cost, higher-return choice among Minnesota nursing programs. If your child is serious about nursing leadership or advanced practice, the trajectory here justifies the premium. If they're uncertain about their nursing career path, one of Minnesota's more affordable programs might be the safer bet.