Saint Peter, MN · Private University
Is Gustavus Adolphus College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$65,607
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$54,310
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$54,310
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$217,240
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.21x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
75.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,774
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$26,895
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Gustavus Adolphus College graduates earn $20,607 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Gustavus Adolphus College ranked by graduate earnings
49 graduates
30 graduates
38 graduates
58 graduates
51 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Gustavus Adolphus College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Gustavus Adolphus College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $74,858) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $28,601) is $46,257/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $74,858 | 1.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $73,508 | 1.4x |
| Economics | $63,259 | 1.2x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $59,351 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,826 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $53,981 | 1.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $52,827 | 1.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $49,123 | 0.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $45,329 | 0.8x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $45,254 | 0.8x |
| Biology, General | $43,639 | 0.8x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,101 | 0.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,135 | 0.7x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest(1yr data) | $28,601 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gustavus Adolphus College | 1.21x | $65,607 | Average ROI |
| Lake Forest College | 1.14x | $61,825 | Average ROI |
| Drake University | 1.44x | $71,901 | Average ROI |
| St Olaf College | 1.15x | $65,543 | Average ROI |
| Lawrence University | 1.01x | $55,789 | Average ROI |
| Beloit College | 0.91x | $53,260 | Below Average |
The Bottom Line
Gustavus Adolphus College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $65,607 10 years after starting — $20,607 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.1 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.