The College of Saint Scholastica
The College of Saint Scholastica has an acceptance rate of 93.0%, annual tuition of $41,778, average net price of $27,846, and a national rank of #388 (Grade B+), with a 70.5% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 1,765 undergraduates, and median earnings of $75,595 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
The College of Saint Scholastica is a private nonprofit university in Duluth, MN. Students most often pursue Biology and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and 81.8% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 63.8%, roughly 13.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is The College of Saint Scholastica Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
The College of Saint Scholastica graduates 70.5% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 73.9% and keeps 81.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use The College of Saint Scholastica's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $41,778 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,830 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,866 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $55,103 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 24.8% of The College of Saint Scholastica students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,433 to $36,051 depending on family income. Use The College of Saint Scholastica's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,047/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $36,051/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $75,595
- 10-Year Median Earnings $65,934
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $20,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.9%
- Employment Rate 93.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for The College of Saint Scholastica graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
The College of Saint Scholastica vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how The College of Saint Scholastica's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes The College of Saint Scholastica's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: The College of Saint Scholastica graduates earn $75,595 median four years after graduation, +25% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,765
- Full-Time Students 92.0%
- Part-Time Students 8.1%
- Retention Rate 81.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 70.5%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 73.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into The College of Saint Scholastica
1. Meet Academic Requirements: The College of Saint Scholastica requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.0%, The College of Saint Scholastica is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 93.0% acceptance rate, The College of Saint Scholastica is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among The College of Saint Scholastica undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Social Work, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 40.5%
- Social Work 9.2%
- Psychology, General 7.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.1%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.3%
- Biology, General 4.2%
See more majors
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 4.0%
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Biology, General $88,632
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $84,270
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $81,225
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $67,754
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $65,301
- 6. Marketing $63,886
- 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services $61,013
- 8. Human Resources Management and Services $59,691
- 9. Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $59,097
- 10. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $55,949
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $124,928
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $100,618
- 3. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $98,162
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $96,017
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $85,927
- 6. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $80,807
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $66,995
- 8. Social Work (Master's Degree) $66,642
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $61,584
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $60,474
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Biology, General grads earn $88,632—58% more than Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($55,949). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $124,928 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for The College of Saint Scholastica. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 312 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degree, 67 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree, 35 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Social Work
- Biology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Communication and Media Studies
- International/Global Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
- History
- Sustainability Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Philosophy
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Social Work
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Chemistry
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Social Work
- Management Information Systems and Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Social Work
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,765
- Full-Time Students 92.0%
- Part-Time Students 8.1%
- Male Students 34.8%
- Female Students 65.2%
- Caucasian 73.3%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 4.5%
- Black 5.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 24.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects The College of Saint Scholastica's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of The College of Saint Scholastica's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does The College of Saint Scholastica support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The College of Saint Scholastica, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 73.3% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 65.2% of undergraduates. About 24.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does The College of Saint Scholastica support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The College of Saint Scholastica, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
The College of Saint Scholastica offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 63.8% ROI. Ranked #388 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,846 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $75,595 median earnings. With 70.5% graduating within 150% of normal time and 81.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: The College of Saint Scholastica's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #388 ranking, The College of Saint Scholastica competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $27,846 annually, The College of Saint Scholastica charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 81.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,492 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 63.8% ROI and $75,595 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,846+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: The College of Saint Scholastica ranks #388 of 1947 institutions, with 941 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 70.5% graduation rate sits 8.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 81.8% first-year retention is 5.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 63.8% return on investment is 13.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $75,595 run about 25% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $27,846 is roughly $7,767 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 81.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.1% employment rate within three years sits 24.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,846 is about $7,767 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 24.8% trails the national share by 9.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Duluth, MN, The College of Saint Scholastica operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It stands at #388 among 1962 schools Completion earns B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 81.8% of first-year students return; 70.5% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 73.9%. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 63.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $27,846 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $55,103.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,257 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $75,595 at the median. That sits about 25% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 93.1%.
The ROI comes in near 63.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
93.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the The College of Saint Scholastica admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The College of Saint Scholastica's acceptance rate?
The College of Saint Scholastica's acceptance rate is 93.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does The College of Saint Scholastica cost?
At The College of Saint Scholastica, listed tuition and fees are $41,778 per year, and the average net price after aid is $27,846. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is The College of Saint Scholastica's ranking?
The College of Saint Scholastica ranks #388 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is The College of Saint Scholastica's graduation rate?
At The College of Saint Scholastica, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 70.5% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 73.9%, and first-year retention is 81.8%.
What are The College of Saint Scholastica's job outcomes?
Graduates of The College of Saint Scholastica report median earnings of $75,595 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is The College of Saint Scholastica's student population?
The College of Saint Scholastica enrolls about 1,765 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Duluth, MN 55811-4199
- Website www.css.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$102.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.7%