At $29,396/yr net price, Anna Maria College graduates earn $46,651/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,651/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,396 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $117,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,651/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,651/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,807/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,406/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,834/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,441/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,624/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | Master | $92,277 | $20,759 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $86,129 | |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $84,653 | $23,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,413 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $44,971 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
40.4% of students at Anna Maria College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Anna Maria College presents a mixed financial picture with serious retention and completion challenges that overshadow some strong individual programs. The school's 40% graduation rate and 62% retention rate mean you face significant odds of not finishing your degree.
Public Administration leads earnings at over $92,000 annually, making it one of the few programs that clearly justifies the investment. Fire Protection and Nursing also deliver strong returns, with Fire Protection graduates earning $84,653 while carrying relatively modest debt of $23,250. Business Administration pays $52,107, which barely covers the financial commitment given the net price.
The concerning retention numbers suggest many students struggle to complete their programs, making debt without a degree a real risk. With median debt at $25,000 and median earnings at $46,651, graduates who do finish earn roughly what you'd expect from a community college program while paying private college prices.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing Public Administration, Fire Protection, or Nursing and have strong academic preparation that makes you likely to graduate. The specialized programs offer clear career paths in regional markets. However, if you're considering other majors or have concerns about your ability to persist through college, the combination of high costs and low completion rates creates substantial financial risk.
Only 34% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial assistance. You should have a backup plan and compare costs carefully against state schools offering similar programs with better completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anna Maria College worth the cost?
Anna Maria College's value depends heavily on your major. While the median debt is reasonable at $25,000, the overall 10-year earnings of $46,651 are low compared to the $29,396 annual cost. However, nursing and public administration graduates earn significantly more, with some programs reaching $92,000.
What are the best paying majors at Anna Maria College?
Public Administration leads at $92,277 in 10-year earnings, followed by nursing programs at $86,129 and Fire Protection at $84,653. Business graduates earn much less at $52,107, closer to the school's overall average of $46,651.
How much debt do Anna Maria College graduates have?
The median debt at Anna Maria College is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With the low 40% graduation rate, however, many students leave without a degree but may still carry debt.
What is Anna Maria College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Anna Maria College has a 40% graduation rate, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. This creates significant financial risk since students who drop out often still have debt but lack the earning potential of degree holders.