At $14,986/yr net price, College of Saint Mary graduates earn $54,338/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,338/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,986 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,338/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,338/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,936/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,749/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,242/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,478/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,739/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $65,387 | $38,200 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,692 | $32,312 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,061 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
The Risk Factor
59.4% of students at College of Saint Mary 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
College of Saint Mary delivers solid returns for healthcare-focused students but struggles in other areas. The school's median 10-year earnings of $54,338 outpace the $14,986 annual net price, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead earnings at $65,387 annually, making the $38,200 median debt worthwhile for physical therapy and occupational therapy students. Nursing programs also perform well, with graduates earning $63,692 to $52,107 depending on specialization. These healthcare tracks align with Omaha's strong medical job market anchored by Nebraska Medicine and Methodist Health System.
Education majors face financial challenges with starting salaries around $42,061 against $41,000 in debt. Nebraska's relatively low teacher pay makes this program a poor financial choice unless you plan to teach elsewhere or value the mission over money.
The 59% graduation rate creates risk for students who struggle academically. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed for higher-paying healthcare roles. The 68% retention rate suggests some students transfer out after freshman year.
Financial aid reaches only 37% of students, indicating limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves graduating in four years and targeting the healthcare programs that justify the investment.
This school works financially for dedicated pre-health students who can handle the academic demands and want personalized attention in a small Catholic environment. Skip it if you're undecided about your major, interested in fields outside healthcare, or need substantial financial aid to make college affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Saint Mary worth the cost?
College of Saint Mary offers reasonable value with a net price of $14,986 and median debt of $24,250, but the 10-year earnings of $54,338 are below national averages. The school works best for students pursuing nursing or rehabilitation programs, which earn $63,000-$65,000 annually.
What are the highest paying majors at College of Saint Mary?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead at $65,387 annually, followed by nursing programs at $63,692. Business graduates earn $55,512, while education majors average just $42,061, making teacher preparation a weaker financial choice at this school.
How much debt do College of Saint Mary graduates have?
The median debt is $24,250, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with 10-year earnings of $54,338, graduates may struggle with loan payments unless they choose high-paying programs like nursing or rehabilitation.
Does College of Saint Mary have good graduation rates?
The graduation rate is 59.4%, which is concerning and below the national average for four-year colleges. This means 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree, increasing the risk of debt without a diploma.