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 carries real financial risk. You pay about $29,400 a year, yet median earnings ten years out sit at $46,651 , barely above what many bachelor's holders earn, and low enough that repaying the typical $25,000 debt will strain your budget for years. A 40% graduation rate and a 62% retention rate mean there's a decent chance you leave without the degree while still owing money, which is the worst outcome here.
The payoff depends almost entirely on your major. Fire Protection graduates clear $84,653 with the lowest debt of the three listed programs, and Nursing grads pull $72,413 , both strong returns for New England's public-safety and healthcare employers, where Anna Maria's Catholic roots and criminal-justice focus fit the regional market. Criminal Justice and Corrections is the weak spot: you graduate with $25,500 in debt but earn under $45,000, a return that doesn't justify the price.
The specific risk is that Anna Maria's headline programs pay well but its median earnings don't, meaning plenty of graduates land in majors that don't clear the cost. Combine that with the low completion rate and you're betting on finishing in a high-earning field.
The net price tiers punish the middle. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $24,800. earn over $110,000 and you pay $33,600 , but the jump happens early, with families in the $75,000-$110,000 range already paying $33,441, close to full price. There's little relief for upper-middle-income families here.
This school fits you if you commit to Fire Protection or Nursing and expect to graduate. If you're leaning toward criminal justice or unsure of your major, the numbers say look for a cheaper option.
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.