Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Saint Joseph, MN & Saint Peter, MN
When students choose between College of Saint Benedict and Gustavus Adolphus College, they're comparing two similar small liberal arts colleges in Minnesota with comparable costs and career outcomes. Both serve roughly 2,500 students and feed graduates into similar regional job markets.
The decisive factor isn't earnings potential — it's debt burden. While Saint Benedict costs slightly more upfront, graduates typically leave with significantly less debt, creating very different post-graduation financial realities.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$26,944
federal loans
$26,774
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$15,778
borrowed by parents
$34,265
borrowed by parents
Saint Benedict is predominantly business-focused, with 16% of graduates earning degrees in business fields, followed by 8% in social sciences and 7% in education. Gustavus has a more balanced mix: 12% social sciences, 11% business, and 7% arts.
Saint Benedict's largest programs include nursing (52 graduates), biology (52), and business administration (50). At Gustavus, psychology leads with 47 graduates, followed by general business (42) and kinesiology (41).
These program mixes reflect slightly different institutional strengths but produce comparable career trajectories.
For students prioritizing manageable debt levels, College of Saint Benedict delivers comparable career outcomes with significantly lower financial burden. Saint Benedict graduates typically face $281/month in loan payments versus Gustavus's $636/month — a difference that matters in early career budgets.
Gustavus offers modestly higher earnings potential and slightly stronger selectivity, making it the better choice for students who prioritize those factors and can manage the higher debt load. The data points to Saint Benedict as the stronger financial value, but both schools serve similar student populations well.
If keeping debt manageable is your priority, Saint Benedict provides the cleaner path to your degree without sacrificing outcomes.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
