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 leaves you with a middling financial return. You pay about $23,655 a year and come out the other side earning a median of $49,520 a decade later. The debt load is manageable at $20,776, and the 55.5% graduation rate means close to half of you leave without a degree, which is where the real financial danger sits.
The programs split sharply. Economics is the only major here that clears the median, paying $48,041 for a bachelor's grad. Everything else drops off a cliff. Business Administration lands at $33,993, and Psychology, Biology, and Theology all fall below $31,000. If you major in theology and borrow the typical $20,000, you are paying near-full freight to earn under $29,000. That math does not work.
The regional pull matters. Ave Maria is a small Catholic school in rural southwest Florida, and the low-paying majors here feed into ministry, teaching, and nonprofit work that pay accordingly. If you want the degree to earn its cost, economics or business are your realistic shots.
The net price tiers are close to flat. Families under $30k pay $19,716. families over $110k pay $25,967. That $6,000 spread is small, so if your income is under $48k you are getting only a modest break relative to wealthier families.
This school fits you if you are committed to finishing, drawn to economics or business, or specifically want a Catholic education and accept the earnings tradeoff on the ministry track. Look elsewhere if you plan to borrow heavily for psychology, biology, or theology, since those salaries will not cover the payments. Given the 75% retention rate, be honest about whether you will stay past freshman year before you sign anything.
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.