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

General Sales, Merchandising associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (11 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
St Cloud Technical and Community College$47,697
Minnesota State Community and Technical College$39,563$45,802$17,5000.44
National Median$27,837$17,2660.62

Other General Sales, Merchandising Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls
$5,900$39,563$17,500

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 Cloud Technical and Community College, approximately 35% 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.