Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,367
49th percentile (40th in MN)
Median Debt
$26,024
2% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.83
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

Analysis

Saint Scholastica's psychology graduates start behind but finish strong. First-year earnings of $31,367 land below Minnesota's median of $36,243—placing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide—but by year four, salaries jump to $50,740. That 62% growth rate suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into roles that value their degree, whether in mental health services, human resources, or graduate school prerequisites.

The debt load of $26,024 is manageable relative to that first-year salary, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 that's better than many psychology programs. Still, prospective students need to be realistic about that initial earning period. Graduates from the College of Saint Benedict and Metropolitan State start $9,000-$10,000 higher right out of the gate, which matters when you're making loan payments. The admission rate of 94% suggests Saint Scholastica is accessible, but the psychology program itself doesn't appear to provide a distinctive advantage over Minnesota's stronger options.

The trajectory here is positive, but families should weigh whether the slower start justifies enrollment when higher-performing Minnesota programs exist at similar price points. If your student is committed to this school for other reasons (location, size, campus culture), the program won't bury them in debt—but it's not a standout value in Minnesota's competitive psychology landscape.

Where The College of Saint Scholastica Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

The College of Saint ScholasticaOther 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 The College of Saint Scholastica graduates compare to all programs nationally

The College of Saint Scholastica graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 49th 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
The College of Saint Scholastica$31,367$50,740$26,0240.83
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 The College of Saint Scholastica, approximately 23% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 94 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.