Analysis
Saint Scholastica's social work graduates earn $45,371 in their first year—about $8,000 more than the national median for the field and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's an impressive outcome for a profession not known for high starting salaries. However, context matters: within Minnesota, where social work wages run higher than most states, this program sits at the 60th percentile. You're paying $37,059 in median debt (versus $27,000 at comparable Minnesota schools) for earnings that trail several public universities in the state.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 is manageable by social work standards—far better than many programs where graduates struggle with debt loads exceeding annual income. Earnings do grow modestly to $48,482 by year four, which suggests career stability. Still, the $10,000 debt premium over typical Minnesota programs means your child starts roughly $100/month behind in loan payments compared to peers from state schools who may be earning similar or better salaries.
If your child is committed to social work and values Saint Scholastica's mission-driven environment, the numbers work. But Metropolitan State and Bemidji State both produce higher earners with significantly less debt, making them worth serious consideration for families watching costs.
Where The College of Saint Scholastica Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work 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 | $45,371 | $48,482 | +7% |
| St Catherine University | $44,257 | $55,686 | +26% |
| Bemidji State University | $47,192 | $48,772 | +3% |
| Winona State University | $44,546 | $48,600 | +9% |
| Saint Cloud State University | $43,726 | $48,016 | +10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The College of Saint ScholasticaDuluth | $40,454 | $45,371 | $48,482 | $37,059 | 0.82 |
 Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul | $9,780 | $47,637 | $47,860 | $29,615 | 0.62 |
 Bemidji State UniversityBemidji | $10,164 | $47,192 | $48,772 | $27,000 | 0.57 |
 Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall | $10,304 | $46,368 | $44,189 | — | — |
 Bethel UniversitySaint Paul | $42,930 | $45,259 | $45,919 | $25,000 | 0.55 |
 St Olaf CollegeNorthfield | $56,970 | $45,146 | — | $27,000 | 0.60 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 65 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.