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Gustavus Adolphus College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Saint Peter MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Winona MN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $46,816 in 4.8 years versus 5.3 years at Gustavus Adolphus College, on median earnings of $58,170 vs $65,607 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Mary's University of Minnesota
Net price / yr$22,900$11,704
Total net cost$91,600$46,816
Median earnings, 10 yrs$65,607$58,170
Median debt$26,774$21,500
Payback5.3 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$253,340$149,384

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Gustavus Adolphus College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, at $11,704 a year after aid versus $22,900 — a gap of $11,196 a year, or $44,784 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Gustavus Adolphus College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates earn more?

Gustavus Adolphus College graduates report a median $65,607 ten years after entry, $7,437 more than the $58,170 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Gustavus Adolphus College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $26,774 at Gustavus Adolphus College, a difference of $5,274. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

77% of students finish at Gustavus Adolphus College, against 66% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Gustavus Adolphus College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: frequently asked questions

Is Gustavus Adolphus College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota a better value?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. It clears its $46,816 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 5.3 years at Gustavus Adolphus College, on median earnings of $58,170 vs $65,607 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Gustavus Adolphus College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: $11,704/yr net price after aid versus $22,900/yr at Gustavus Adolphus College — a difference of $11,196 a year, or about $44,784 over four years.
Do Gustavus Adolphus College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates earn more?
Gustavus Adolphus College graduates earn a median $65,607 ten years after entry, versus $58,170 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — a $7,437 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.