History at The College of Saint Scholastica

Similar history programs in Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $39,000—notably above the $31,000 national median for history graduates. That estimated $8,000 premium over typical history programs nationwide is meaningful, though it's important to remember we're working from comparable programs, not tracked outcomes specific to Saint Scholastica's graduates.

The estimated debt load of $26,000 produces a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning total debt would equal roughly eight months of that first-year salary. That's reasonable financing for any bachelor's degree, particularly one in the humanities where earnings tend to start modest. The challenge, as with most history degrees, isn't the debt burden—it's what comes next. History is often a stepping stone to graduate school, teaching credentials, or careers that value critical thinking over subject expertise. The degree rarely launches linear career paths in the way engineering or nursing does.

For a family considering Saint Scholastica specifically, the lack of reported data makes this a leap of faith. The school's 94% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest an accessible institution, but you're betting that its particular approach to history education will produce outcomes similar to larger Minnesota public universities. If your student plans to stay in the region and has clear post-graduation plans—law school, education certification, nonprofit work—the estimated numbers suggest reasonable risk. Without that clarity, you're financing potential rather than proven results.