St Catherine University vs Bethel 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 7.4 years at Bethel University, on median earnings of $59,282 vs $63,764 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | St Catherine University | Bethel University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,764 | $28,556 |
| Total net cost | $79,056 | $114,224 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,282 | $63,764 |
| Median debt | $24,181 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 7.2 yrs | 7.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $139,384 | $193,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, St Catherine University or Bethel University?
St Catherine University, at $19,764 a year after aid versus $28,556 — a gap of $8,792 a year, or $35,168 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do St Catherine University or Bethel University graduates earn more?
Bethel University graduates report a median $63,764 ten years after entry, $4,482 more than the $59,282 at St Catherine 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, St Catherine University or Bethel University?
Bethel University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $24,181 at St Catherine University, a difference of $2,681. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Bethel University, against 61% at St Catherine 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.