Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,426
57th percentile (40th in MN)
Median Debt
$29,532
16% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.91
Manageable
Sample Size
34
Adequate data

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

St Catherine UniversityOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How St Catherine University graduates compare to all programs nationally

St Catherine University graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
St Catherine University$32,426$46,250$29,5320.91
College of Saint Benedict$41,029$45,302$27,0000.66
Metropolitan State University$40,958$44,425$30,1550.74
Capella University$39,764$43,554$40,8161.03
University of Minnesota-Duluth$38,543$45,061$24,2250.63
University of St Thomas$38,396$51,174$27,0000.70
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph
$53,884$41,029$27,000
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul
$9,780$40,958$30,155
Capella University
Minneapolis
$14,436$39,764$40,816
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth
$14,318$38,543$24,225
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul
$52,284$38,396$27,000

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.