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University of St Thomas vs Saint Johns University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Saint Paul MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Collegeville MN

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

The verdict

Saint Johns University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $102,688 in 3.6 years versus 4.6 years at University of St Thomas, on median earnings of $76,786 vs $73,739 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of St ThomasSaint Johns University
Net price / yr$29,155$25,672
Total net cost$116,620$102,688
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,739$76,786
Median debt$23,250$27,000
Payback4.6 yrs3.6 yrs
20-year net return$390,960$465,832

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

Which is cheaper, University of St Thomas or Saint Johns University?

Saint Johns University, at $25,672 a year after aid versus $29,155 — a gap of $3,483 a year, or $13,932 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of St Thomas or Saint Johns University graduates earn more?

Saint Johns University graduates report a median $76,786 ten years after entry, $3,047 more than the $73,739 at University of St Thomas. 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, University of St Thomas or Saint Johns University?

University of St Thomas: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Saint Johns University, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at University of St Thomas, against 75% at Saint Johns 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.

University of St Thomas vs Saint Johns University: frequently asked questions

Is University of St Thomas or Saint Johns University a better value?
Saint Johns University. It clears its $102,688 net cost in about 3.6 years versus 4.6 years at University of St Thomas, on median earnings of $76,786 vs $73,739 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of St Thomas or Saint Johns University?
Saint Johns University: $25,672/yr net price after aid versus $29,155/yr at University of St Thomas — a difference of $3,483 a year, or about $13,932 over four years.
Do University of St Thomas or Saint Johns University graduates earn more?
Saint Johns University graduates earn a median $76,786 ten years after entry, versus $73,739 at University of St Thomas — a $3,047 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.