Economics at University of St Thomas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
At $60,323 out of the gate, St. Thomas economics graduates earn about $4,000 more than the Minnesota median and roughly $9,000 above the national benchmark—solid performance for a school with an 85% acceptance rate. They're also entering the workforce with debt right at the state median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. Within Minnesota's competitive landscape, this program sits comfortably in the middle tier, behind prestigious liberal arts colleges like Carleton and Macalester but delivering comparable outcomes to the University of Minnesota's much larger program.
The earnings trajectory shows healthy growth, with graduates reaching nearly $69,000 by year four. That 14% bump suggests these graduates are advancing in their careers, not just treading water. For families paying private school tuition, it's worth noting you're getting outcomes that justify the premium—these aren't just Minnesota-average results with a higher price tag.
The straightforward takeaway: This is a reliably strong economics program that delivers above-average earnings without burying students in debt. Parents should feel confident their investment will pay off, particularly if their child values the smaller class sizes and networking opportunities that come with St. Thomas's private school environment over the scale of a flagship state university.
Where University of St Thomas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
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 University of St Thomas graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of St Thomas graduates earn $60k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all economics 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
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of St Thomas | $60,323 | $68,704 | $24,600 | 0.41 |
| Carleton College | $66,567 | $83,775 | $19,500 | 0.29 |
| St Catherine University | $64,916 | — | $30,215 | 0.47 |
| Macalester College | $59,752 | $83,794 | $24,000 | 0.40 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $56,902 | $76,116 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| St Olaf College | $56,238 | $69,672 | $27,000 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carleton College Northfield | $65,457 | $66,567 | $19,500 |
| St Catherine University Saint Paul | $49,758 | $64,916 | $30,215 |
| Macalester College Saint Paul | $64,908 | $59,752 | $24,000 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis | $16,488 | $56,902 | $21,500 |
| St Olaf College Northfield | $56,970 | $56,238 | $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 University of St Thomas, approximately 20% 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.