The College of Saint Scholastica logo

The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, MN Private ยท Urban www.css.edu
Accept Rate
93.78%
Grad Rate
65%
Enrollment
1,725
Avg SAT
1190
Tuition
$40,454
Median Salary
$65,934
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The College of Saint Scholastica feels like an intimate, supportive community where students are known by name, not just a number. The Benedictine values of community and hospitality create a warm, inclusive atmosphere on its compact urban campus. It's a place where you'll find a strong sense of belonging and a focus on personal growth.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

93.78%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1190

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2575th Pctl
2127
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community involvement in your application essays, as this aligns with the college's Benedictine values. With a high acceptance rate, aim for the middle 50% SAT range (around 1060-1320) to be a competitive applicant, but a compelling personal story can often make the difference. Consider applying for their generous merit scholarships early, as they can significantly reduce your net price.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1190
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The College's academic strengths are anchored in its renowned Health Professions programs, which offer direct pathways to in-demand careers. Class sizes are small, fostering close relationships with faculty who are dedicated to hands-on teaching and mentorship. While research opportunities exist, especially in the sciences, the focus is more on undergraduate application and professional preparation than large-scale, abstract research.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
49%
Biology & Biomedical
13.6%
Business & Marketing
11.3%
Public Administration
8.1%
Psychology
7.3%
Education
5.1%
Computer Science
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

65%
Graduation Rate
77.9%
Retention Rate
1,725
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$40,454
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,949
After financial aid
Total Cost
$53,069
Cost of attendance/year
23.2%
Receive Pell Grants
51.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Duluth

Life in Duluth is a unique blend of city amenities and outdoor adventure, with Lake Superior's stunning shoreline just minutes from campus. Students enjoy hiking the nearby trails, exploring the vibrant Canal Park district with its shops and restaurants, and attending local festivals and concerts. In winter, activities shift to skiing, snowshoeing, and cozying up in the city's many coffee shops and breweries.

Local Rent Check

$868 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Duluth
Explore Duluth

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$161,816
$0Est. 4 Years: $161,816

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($65,934):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is generally considered safe, with campus security and a supportive community atmosphere. Duluth is a safe city overall, but as with any urban setting, students are advised to practice standard safety awareness, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for many students.
  • โœ“ Strong and well-regarded programs in healthcare and nursing provide clear career paths.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship from faculty.
  • โœ“ The Duluth location offers a rare combination of urban life and immediate access to outdoor recreation.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high for a private college of its size, making financial aid crucial.
  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are moderate compared to some private college peers.
  • โœ— The campus and surrounding area can feel isolated during the long, harsh winters.

Notable Alumni

Mary K. Bonsteel Tachau
A pioneering leader in the field of special education and a key figure in the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
James L. Oakes
A decorated United States Circuit Judge who served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Sister Mary Catherine
A prominent figure in Catholic education and leadership within the Benedictine order.

Frequently Asked Questions

The College of Saint Scholastica is primarily known for its excellent and highly-regarded Health Professions programs, especially nursing. It also has strong programs in Biology, Business, Education, and Psychology, all grounded in a liberal arts tradition informed by Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and lifelong learning.

No, it is not considered a highly selective school. With an acceptance rate of 93.78%, it is an accessible option for the majority of applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1190, but the high acceptance rate means that a wide range of academic profiles are considered.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused due to its small enrollment of around 1,700 students. Students often describe a supportive, family-like atmosphere. While the campus is in an urban setting, it has a close-knit feel with a variety of clubs and activities. Duluth's unique location provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round, which is a major part of student life outside the classroom.

The value depends heavily on the student's major and financial aid package. For students entering high-earning fields like nursing or other health professions, the investment can pay off, as evidenced by a 10-year median earnings figure of $65,934. It's crucial for families to maximize scholarships and aid to lower the net price and ensure the debt load is manageable for the intended career path.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Essentia Health St. Luke's Healthcare Lake Superior College The Duluth News Tribune Minnesota Power
Smart Start Score
68

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,329
  • In-State Tuition $40,454
  • Zip Code 55811

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 34.3% โ™€ 65.7%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $23,949, the cost is significant but often lower than the sticker price thanks to institutional aid and scholarships. The 10-year median earnings of $65,934 for graduates, particularly from its strong health and business programs, suggests a solid return on investment. For students pursuing high-demand fields, the degree can be a worthwhile financial investment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $40,454
Housing (12 mo) $10,416
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $58,070
With avg financial aid:
$23,949/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.