The College of St. Scholastica, located in Duluth, Minnesota, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong focus on health sciences, humanities, and professional studies. Established in 1912, the college is rooted in the Benedictine tradition, which emphasizes community, hospitality, and the pursuit of wisdom. The college prides itself on its commitment to personal and academic excellence, embodied in its motto: "The Love of Learning." This guiding principle fosters a supportive and enriching environment for students, encouraging them to engage fully in their education and develop both academically and personally.

Students at the College of St. Scholastica benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories and technology-equipped classrooms, which facilitate hands-on learning and research opportunities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in nursing, health informatics, and social work. Additionally, the college is home to a vibrant campus culture, supported by a variety of student organizations and extracurricular activities that promote involvement and leadership. The beautiful Duluth location, nestled between the shores of Lake Superior and the rolling hills of northern Minnesota, provides a scenic backdrop for both academic pursuit and outdoor activities, enhancing the overall student experience. With a strong focus on ethical leadership and community service, graduates from St. Scholastica are well-prepared to contribute positively to society and excel in their chosen careers.

Discussion on Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The tuition costs at the College of St. Scholastica have shown a notable upward trajectory over recent years. Starting from 2014, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students rose from $31,612 to $40,454 in 2024, reflecting an increase of approximately 28%. This trend of rising tuition is emblematic of larger national trends in higher education, where students often face mounting financial pressures as they pursue their degrees. For graduate students, tuition remained comparatively lower, but it still experienced significant increases, particularly in recent years.

Graduation rates, particularly the timely graduation rate, have fluctuated within the college. The timely graduation rate started at 54.08% in 2014 and peaked at 62.41% in 2018 but dropped slightly to 59.63% by 2024. These statistics suggest that while many students are successfully completing their degrees, there are barriers that affect the consistency of these outcomes, likely influenced by rising academic costs and changing student demographics.

Additionally, the retention rate for undergraduate students reveals an important narrative about student satisfaction and institutional support. The retention rate fell from 83.65% in 2014 to around 77.87% in 2024. Such a decline indicates that more students are either transferring or discontinuing their studies, highlighting potential concerns about student experience and engagement, which are crucial factors in academic success.

In conclusion, while the College of St. Scholastica remains committed to providing quality education, the factors of rising tuition, variable graduation rates, and declining retention both reflect the complexities of higher education today. Addressing these issues will be critical as the institution seeks to improve its educational outcomes and overall student satisfaction.

Analysis of Graduation Trends at the College of St. Scholastica

The data for 2023 at the College of St. Scholastica reveals intriguing trends in graduation numbers across various fields of study. The most notable finding is the dominance of the medical and health-related programs, which collectively produced a significant number of graduates, particularly at the bachelor and doctorate levels. For instance, the Registered Nursing program alone accounted for 304 bachelor's degrees, illustrating the strong demand for nursing professionals in a post-pandemic landscape where healthcare remains a priority.

The Educational programs also show a solid output, with Teacher Education and related degrees contributing significantly to the master’s level, highlighting the enduring need for qualified educators. Across disciplines, it’s apparent that education continues to adapt to economic needs and workforce trends, preparing future leaders in various fields.

Interestingly, business-oriented majors are represented with moderate graduation numbers, signaling a potential area for growth. The data shows an increasing interest in cross-disciplinary studies, particularly in fields such as International/Globalization Studies and Sustainability Studies. This trend reflects a broader educational shift toward preparing students for complex global challenges, including social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Moreover, it is worth noting the representation of international students in several programs. The influx of international students, particularly in medicine and related disciplines, indicates a global interest in pursuing education in the U.S., further enriching the academic environment.

Overall, these graduation trends at the College of St. Scholastica highlight a robust commitment to practical and theoretical education, aligned with emerging societal needs and global perspectives, setting the stage for competent and versatile graduates to enter the workforce.

Commentary on Admission Trends at the College of St. Scholastica

The admission data for the College of St. Scholastica reveals significant changes over the years, particularly in terms of acceptance rates and enrollment figures. From 2010 to 2024, the admission rates for both males and females exhibit a general trend of fluctuation. Notably, in 2023, the male acceptance rate soared to approximately 94.3%, while the female acceptance rate reached around 97.9%. This substantial increase in acceptance rates signifies a more accommodating admission policy, especially following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to juxtapose these rates with the college's ranking, which has seen a decline from 216 in 2024 to 259 in 2025. This drop in ranking could indicate a broader trend within higher education where institutions may prioritize quantity over quality in enrollment—as suggested by the high acceptance rates and the number of students deferred in recent years. Though the enrollment numbers saw a slight reduction in 2024, the overall data suggest a strategic shift by the college, possibly aiming to maintain or grow its student body despite increased competition. As colleges continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education, the College of St. Scholastica's recent admission strategies and the implications of its declining ranking merit further examination, especially for prospective students weighing their options for the future. The changes underscore an ongoing dialogue about accessibility, institution prestige, and the challenges of sustaining academic standards in the face of enrollment pressures.

Trends in College Admissions Test Scores and Submission Rates

The data from the College of St. Scholastica reveals important trends in standardized test score submissions and the performance of admitted students over the years, from 2007 to 2024. Notably, there has been a significant fluctuation in both the number of students submitting scores and the quality of those scores.

From 2007 through 2016, a gradual decline in the submission rates for the SAT and ACT was observed, with percentages decreasing to as low as 1% in some years. This trend mirrors the broader movement in higher education where colleges increasingly emphasize holistic admissions processes, which often consider factors beyond standardized test scores.

The score ranges for the SAT and ACT also highlight a shifting profile of admitted students. For instance, the combined SAT ranges demonstrate variability, with the 25th percentile score showing a generally downward trend in earlier years, dropping to as low as 380 in the mathematics portion in 2016, but more recently rebounding to higher thresholds around 555 or more. On the ACT side, while the average composite scores fluctuate, recent years indicate a stabilization above the minimum thresholds that were previously observed.

This data from the College of St. Scholastica reflects a broader national conversation regarding the value of standardized testing in the college admissions process. Some institutions have opted for test-optional policies, potentially influencing students' decisions on whether to submit scores at all. As colleges continue to evolve their admissions strategies, understanding these patterns can provide valuable insights into future enrollment dynamics.

Analysis of Student Demographics at the College of St. Scholastica for 2024

The enrollment statistics for the College of St. Scholastica in 2024 reveal a diverse student body, with significant representation from various ethnic backgrounds. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 349, of which 39.5% are male and 60.5% are female, highlighting a predominance of female students in this category. This female majority aligns with trends observed in many higher education institutions across the United States, where women have been enrolling in college at higher rates compared to men.

Undergraduate juniors total 1,185, with similar gender dynamics of 34.5% males and 65.5% females. This sustained female representation suggests that the institution may benefit from considering strategies to engage and retain male students, particularly in these upper-level undergraduate classes.

The transfer student population consists of 191 individuals, significantly skewed towards females at 76.4% with only 23.6% males. Such disparities may reflect broader societal challenges related to college access and transition experiences, especially for male students.

Graduate enrollment is robust with 1,224 students, again featuring a higher proportion of women (74.3%) than men (25.7%). This continuing trend across various levels of higher education may prompt institutions like St. Scholastica to explore the factors influencing gender dynamics in student enrollment and retention.

The data on underrepresented minorities is particularly pertinent as the college seeks to foster an inclusive academic environment. The overall ratios indicate a need for further outreach and support for diverse populations, notably as demographics evolve nationally. Such efforts could enhance the richness of campus culture and better reflect the society we live in, ultimately benefitting all students through diverse perspectives and experiences.

Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition at College of St. Scholastica

The age distribution of students at the College of St. Scholastica in 2024 reveals significant insights into the demographics of its student body. A notable majority of students fall within the traditional undergraduate age bracket of 18-21 years, with 37% of undergraduates aged 18-19 and 36% aged 20-21. This highlights the college's appeal to younger individuals entering higher education, emphasizing its role as a primary institution for first-time college students.

Interestingly, as students progress to their mid-twenties and thirties, the representation of undergraduates diminishes, while the presence of graduate students notably increases. For instance, in the 25-29 age group, graduate students make up 78% of the total enrollment in that category, indicating a trend of continued education among older students. This shift may reflect the changing dynamics of education where individuals are returning to school for advanced degrees later in life to enhance career opportunities.

Moreover, the college maintains a relatively balanced gender distribution across age groups, with female students outnumbering male students in nearly all categories. In the 22-24 age range, females represent approximately 67% of the total students, showcasing an increasing trend in female enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Lastly, the number of students aged 50 and older remains low, comprising only about 2% of the overall student population. This age group presents an opportunity for institutions to tailor programs that attract lifelong learners seeking educational advancement later in life. Overall, these age and gender dynamics not only shape the educational environment but also inform recruitment strategies and program offerings at the College of St. Scholastica.

Trends in International Enrollment at the College of St. Scholastica

The data reflecting international student enrollment at the College of St. Scholastica reveals several intriguing trends over the years. When looking at undergraduate enrollment, there has been a general fluctuation in the number of international students since 2005, peaking at 107 in 2011 with a corresponding percentage of 3.75. Notably, this percentage remained below 4% for many years, indicating that while the presence of international students grew, it did not significantly change the overall demographic balance.

From 2018 onwards, a decline in total undergraduate enrollment began, coupled with a rise in the number of international students, which slightly boosted their proportion to 3.99% in 2024. This suggests a growing inclination among international students to seek options at more localized institutions, possibly influenced by global changes in immigration policies and the growing appeal of U.S. colleges amid fluctuating political climates.

In contrast, the graduate student data presents a more concerning story. The percentage of international students has consistently remained low, peaking at only 2.48% in 2013. The numbers suggest that the institution may face challenges in attracting graduate students from abroad, perhaps due to competitive programs elsewhere or internal policy shifts.

Overall, while the College of St. Scholastica has shown resilience and adaptability in maintaining a steady undergraduate international presence, the lack of growth in graduate international enrollment poses questions about its future appeal in a competitive global education market. As the institution moves forward, strategies that enhance its global outreach and cultivate a diverse academic environment will be crucial for its growth.

Here are some notable colleges and universities near the College of St. Scholastica:

1. Bethel University - Ranked 220, Bethel University is a comprehensive university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

2. College of Saint Benedict - A highly regarded liberal arts college, ranked 71. It emphasizes academic excellence and a commitment to social justice.

3. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - As one of the major public research universities, it is ranked 54 and offers diverse programs across various fields.

4. Macalester College - Ranked 26, Macalester is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to internationalism and multiculturalism as a liberal arts college.

5. Carleton College - A prestigious liberal arts college, ranked 8, recognized for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and small class sizes.

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison - This major university ranks 39 and is known for its robust research initiatives and wide array of programs.

These institutions are renowned for their educational quality and diverse offerings, making them excellent choices for students in the region.

Analysis of Crime Data at College of St. Scholastica

The crime data from the College of St. Scholastica reveals a significant decline in reported crimes over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. The average crime rate per 1,000 students dropped from 11.12 in 2013 to just 0.31 in 2023, indicating a positive trend towards campus safety. This reduction is noteworthy and could suggest effective crime prevention strategies and improved campus security measures are in place.

Dissecting the data further, we notice various types of offenses. While gun-related arrests and specifically violent crimes like assault and robbery were occasionally reported, these numbers diminished sharply in the latter years, with no reported incidents in the most recent entries. This decline reflects broader national trends in college campus safety where institutions are increasingly taking proactive steps to create safer environments for their students.

The remarkable decrease in rates of serious offenses such as drug, alcohol related arrests, and domestic violence is especially crucial. This suggests not only a reduction in incidents but likely also a successful approach to address issues related to substance abuse on campus.

Moreover, this data contextually fits into a broader narrative seen across various educational institutions, responding to societal demands for safer educational environments. As recent discussions around campus safety intensify, the statistics from St. Scholastica provide a positive outlook, showcasing the effectiveness of ongoing safety initiatives and fostering a thriving academic atmosphere.

For further understanding of crime rate calculation methods, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.