Catholic colleges where the most freshmen return in Minnesota
Catholic colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.
Catholic colleges where the most freshmen return in Minnesota4 schools
4 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.
How this list is made
- Schools in Minnesota.
- Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Faith grade B or better (Faith score 70 or higher). Cost and outcomes never change a grade.
- Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by retention rate, highest first.
Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
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Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN · Private nonprofit- 75% of freshmen return
- 66% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of St. Thomas | $29,155 | $23,250 | $73,739 | 76% |
| College of Saint Benedict | $26,640 | $26,944 | $63,260 | 77% |
| Saint Johns University | $25,672 | $27,000 | $76,786 | 75% |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | $11,704 | $21,500 | $58,170 | 66% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.