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
Earnings Distribution
How The College of Saint Scholastica graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of Saint Scholastica | $31,367 | $50,740 | +62% |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | $33,174 | $53,981 | +63% |
| University of St Thomas | $38,396 | $51,174 | +33% |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul | $36,243 | $49,552 | +37% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $36,294 | $49,126 | +35% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,454 | $31,367 | $50,740 | $26,024 | 0.83 | |
| $53,884 | $41,029 | $45,302 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $9,780 | $40,958 | $44,425 | $30,155 | 0.74 | |
| $14,436 | $39,764 | $43,554 | $40,816 | 1.03 | |
| $14,318 | $38,543 | $45,061 | $24,225 | 0.63 | |
| $52,284 | $38,396 | $51,174 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.