Social Work at St Catherine University

St Catherine University's social work graduates earn $44,257 in their first year—nearly $7,000 above the national median but slightly below Minnesota's state median. Here's the puzzle: this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally yet sits at just the 40th percentile within Minnesota. The explanation? Minnesota has exceptionally strong social work programs across the board, with Metropolitan State and Bemidji State graduates earning over $47,000. St Catherine is delivering above-average outcomes, but you're competing against a state where even middle-tier programs excel.

The financial picture is manageable. At $30,912 in debt—higher than both state and national medians—graduates still face a reasonable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio. More importantly, earnings climb 26% to $55,686 by year four, suggesting solid career progression. That growth trajectory makes the initial debt load easier to justify, particularly for families committed to the social work field.

For Minnesota residents weighing their options, this comes down to whether St Catherine's supportive environment and accessible admissions (94% acceptance rate) outweigh the $3,000-4,000 earnings gap compared to top state programs. You're paying slightly more in debt for outcomes that are good nationally but middle-of-the-pack locally. If your child has stronger academic credentials, Metropolitan State or Bemidji State offer better financial returns. But St Catherine delivers solid preparation with strong earnings growth—just not the best value within Minnesota's competitive landscape.