At $23,655/yr net price, Ave Maria University graduates earn $49,520/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,520/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,655 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,520/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,520/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,776 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,716/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,784/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,156/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,553/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,967/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,988 | $18,775 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,250 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
55.5% of students at Ave Maria University 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
Ave Maria University delivers below-average financial returns with a 10-year median earning of $49,520 against a net price of $23,655 annually. Your investment faces significant headwinds from the school's 55% graduation rate and weak earning outcomes across most programs.
Economics majors fare best at $48,041 annually, though this still lags behind earnings at many comparable institutions. Business Administration graduates earn just $33,993, a concerning figure given the program's popularity. Psychology, Biology, and Theological Studies majors earn between $28,598 and $30,988, which may not justify the total cost of attendance for many students.
The school's location in rural Southwest Florida limits local job opportunities, forcing many graduates to relocate for career advancement. This geographic constraint particularly hurts graduates in specialized fields who need access to major metropolitan markets.
Ave Maria works financially for students committed to Catholic education who plan careers in ministry, education, or family-focused fields where salary expectations align with outcomes. The relatively low debt load of $20,776 helps, but only if you actually graduate. The 75% retention rate signals academic or cultural fit issues that increase your risk of leaving without a degree.
Financial aid reaches just 23% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships target high-achieving Catholic students, but you should secure significant aid to make the investment worthwhile. Students prioritizing earning potential over religious mission should consider state schools or private institutions with stronger alumni networks and regional employer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ave Maria University worth the cost?
Ave Maria University's graduates earn $49,520 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for a private college costing $23,655 annually. With only a 55% graduation rate and most programs leading to earnings under $35,000, the financial return is weak except for economics majors.
What are the best paying majors at Ave Maria University?
Economics is the clear winner at Ave Maria University, with graduates earning $48,041 annually. Business administration follows at $33,993, while other popular programs like psychology ($30,988) and biology ($29,250) offer limited earning potential.
How much debt do Ave Maria University students graduate with?
Ave Maria University graduates carry a median debt of $20,776, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, given the low earnings in most programs, even this moderate debt load creates financial stress for many graduates.
Does Ave Maria University have good financial aid?
Ave Maria University's net price of $23,655 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. Still, many students struggle to see positive returns given the school's low graduation rate and limited high-paying career paths.