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Head-to-head comparison

University of St Thomas vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: which has better ROI?

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

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

Option A Saint Paul, MN

University of St Thomas

Net price / year
$29,155
Earnings, 10 years
$73,739
Payback
4.6 yrs

Option B Winona, MN

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Net price / year
$11,704
Earnings, 10 years
$58,170
Payback
4.8 yrs
The verdict

University of St Thomas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $116,620 in 4.6 years versus 4.8 years at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, on median earnings of $73,739 vs $58,170 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of St ThomasSaint Mary's University of Minnesota
Net price / yr$29,155$11,704
Total net cost$116,620$46,816
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,739$58,170
Median debt$23,250$21,500
Payback4.6 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$390,960$149,384

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of St Thomas or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, at $11,704 a year after aid versus $29,155 — a gap of $17,451 a year, or $69,804 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of St Thomas or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates earn more?

University of St Thomas graduates report a median $73,739 ten years after entry, $15,569 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of St Thomas or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of St Thomas, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at University of St Thomas, 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.

University of St Thomas vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: frequently asked questions

Is University of St Thomas or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota a better value?
University of St Thomas. It clears its $116,620 net cost in about 4.6 years versus 4.8 years at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, on median earnings of $73,739 vs $58,170 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of St Thomas or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: $11,704/yr net price after aid versus $29,155/yr at University of St Thomas — a difference of $17,451 a year, or about $69,804 over four years.
Do University of St Thomas or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates earn more?
University of St Thomas graduates earn a median $73,739 ten years after entry, versus $58,170 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — a $15,569 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.