At $18,251/yr net price, Fontbonne University graduates earn $48,825/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,825/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,251 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,825/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,825/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.8% |
| 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 | $13,464/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,682/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,742/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,296/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,373/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,286 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,035 | $41,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,041 | $34,990 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $43,575 | $34,167 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,025 | $24,250 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $39,369 | $51,375 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $38,337 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $35,864 | $51,209 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,276 | $26,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $32,433 |
The Risk Factor
56.8% of students at Fontbonne 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
Fontbonne University delivers mixed financial returns with significant risks that prospective students must weigh carefully. The $48,825 median earnings barely justify the total investment when you factor in the troubling 56.8% graduation rate and weak 64% retention rate.
Your choice of major determines whether Fontbonne makes financial sense. Accounting graduates earn $55,286 annually, providing solid returns on investment. Business administration shows promise at $54,035, though the $41,000 debt load for some business tracks creates repayment challenges. Communication disorders graduates face a tougher path with $48,041 earnings against $34,990 in debt. Education majors encounter the weakest financial outlook, earning just $43,575 with substantial debt burdens.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its completion rates. With nearly half of students failing to graduate, you face substantial downside if you become part of that statistic. The retention data suggests many students recognize this reality early and transfer elsewhere.
Fontbonne works financially if you plan to study accounting or business and feel confident about completing your degree. The $18,251 net price keeps costs manageable compared to many private colleges. However, prospective education majors should seriously consider public alternatives that offer better value for teaching careers.
Financial aid reaches less than half of students, limiting your options for reducing costs through need-based assistance. Merit scholarships may be available, but the low retention rates suggest the school struggles to provide adequate support for students facing financial pressures. Transfer students and those uncertain about their academic commitment should look elsewhere given the substantial risk of leaving without a degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fontbonne University worth the money?
Fontbonne University graduates earn $48,825 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $18,251 per year and median debt of $25,000, the financial return is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Fontbonne University?
Accounting graduates from Fontbonne earn around $55,286 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Business administration and communication disorders also perform well, with earnings in the $48,000-$54,000 range.
How much debt do Fontbonne University students graduate with?
The median debt for Fontbonne graduates is $25,000, which is relatively reasonable compared to many private colleges. However, with a 56.8% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their degree.
Does Fontbonne University have good job outcomes?
Fontbonne's 10-year earnings of $48,825 are below the national average for college graduates. The low graduation rate of 56.8% indicates that many students struggle to complete their programs, which limits career prospects.