Public Health at St Catherine University

St. Catherine's Public Health program delivers earnings that outperform 76% of similar programs nationwide, but within Minnesota specifically, it lands in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. While the $42,407 starting salary beats the national median by nearly $5,000, graduates at nearby Winona State earn $46,250 right out of the gate—a meaningful difference when you're managing nearly $30,000 in debt. The 13% earnings growth over four years is steady but unremarkable, and the program still trails Winona State even at the four-year mark.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: at $29,815, it's lower than 79% of Public Health programs nationally, and the 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are borrowing less than one year's salary. That's manageable territory, particularly for a field that typically requires graduate education for advancement. St. Catherine's 94% admission rate and strong Pell grant enrollment suggest this program serves students who might not have access to more selective options.

For parents weighing in-state choices, this comes down to value. St. Catherine charges more than public alternatives but doesn't deliver Winona State's outcomes. If your student is drawn to St. Catherine's mission or campus culture, the debt load won't be crushing. But if maximizing early earnings matters—especially before potentially pursuing an MPH—look closely at Winona State's stronger track record.