Business Administration, Management and Operations at Saint Paul College

Similar business programs across Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $41,100 for associate degree holders, with Saint Paul College's actual four-year outcomes of $46,647 tracking reasonably above that baseline. The debt burden tells a more complicated story: at $27,066, it's well above the state median of $18,776 for comparable programs and nearly double the national typical debt load. Several nearby community colleges—North Hennepin, Dakota County Technical—report stronger earnings outcomes while presumably keeping costs lower, which matters when you're evaluating whether this particular path makes financial sense.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 means graduates are borrowing roughly eight months of their first-year salary, which is manageable but not impressive for a two-year degree. The program serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (40%), so accessibility is clearly part of the mission, but families need to understand they're taking on significantly more debt than peers at other Minnesota community colleges for similar career outcomes. Four years out, earnings growth to $46,647 is modest but steady.

**The bottom line:** If your child is committed to Saint Paul College for location or support services, this program won't derail their finances, but the debt load is concerningly high for a community college credential. Push the financial aid office hard on grant opportunities, and get a clear comparison of actual costs versus nearby alternatives like North Hennepin that appear to deliver better value.