Saint Cloud State University vs St Catherine University: which has better ROI?
St Catherine University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,056 in 7.2 years versus 7.3 years at Saint Cloud State University, on median earnings of $59,282 vs $55,813 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Saint Cloud State University | St Catherine University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,529 | $19,764 |
| Total net cost | $54,116 | $79,056 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,813 | $59,282 |
| Median debt | $21,058 | $24,181 |
| Payback | 7.3 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,944 | $139,384 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Saint Cloud State University or St Catherine University?
Saint Cloud State University, at $13,529 a year after aid versus $19,764 — a gap of $6,235 a year, or $24,940 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Saint Cloud State University or St Catherine University graduates earn more?
St Catherine University graduates report a median $59,282 ten years after entry, $3,469 more than the $55,813 at Saint Cloud State University. 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, Saint Cloud State University or St Catherine University?
Saint Cloud State University: its completers carry a median $21,058 in federal loans versus $24,181 at St Catherine University, a difference of $3,123. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at St Catherine University, against 40% at Saint Cloud State University. 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.