Analysis
St. Catherine's psychology graduates start modestly at $32,426 but see their earnings jump 43% to $46,250 within four years—a trajectory that suggests these students develop valuable skills that translate into career advancement. However, the starting point matters: at the 40th percentile among Minnesota psychology programs, graduates begin roughly $4,000 behind the state median, which means catching up requires several years even with strong growth.
The debt picture is actually quite good. At $29,532, it's well below national norms and sits in the favorable 5th percentile for debt burden nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates can realistically manage repayment from day one, even during that lower-earning first year. For a private university, this represents responsible borrowing relative to outcomes.
The challenge is opportunity cost within Minnesota. Graduates from the College of Saint Benedict and Metropolitan State University start $8,000-9,000 higher right out of the gate. If you're paying private tuition, that gap matters. St. Catherine's works best for students who value the school's specific environment and support systems—36% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting strong access for first-generation college students—and who can leverage career services to accelerate that early growth trajectory. The numbers improve considerably by year four, but families should understand they're accepting a slower start compared to top Minnesota alternatives.
Where St Catherine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How St Catherine University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Catherine University | $32,426 | $46,250 | +43% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,758 | $32,426 | $46,250 | $29,532 | 0.91 | |
| $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 St Catherine University, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.