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 gives you a weak financial return. Ten years out, median earnings sit at $48,825, barely above what the median high school graduate in Missouri can expect, while you carry $25,000 in debt and pay $18,251 a year to get there. That gap between cost and payoff is the core problem.
The listed bachelor's programs make it worse. Business Administration tops the earnings list at $41,025, and that is the high end here. Human Resources lands at $38,337. Both education tracks pay even less: Teacher Education at $35,276 and Special Education at $34,526. Special Education is the sharpest warning, pairing the lowest earnings on the list with the highest debt at $32,433. You would leave that program owing nearly a year's salary.
None of these degrees clear $42,000 in early-career earnings, so no major here is a clear financial win. If your goal is a St. Louis teaching or HR job, the paycheck may be enough to live on, but the debt-to-income math is tight, especially for Special Education.
Two numbers add risk. A 56.8% graduation rate and a 64% retention rate mean roughly one in three of you leaves, and leaving with debt but no degree is the worst outcome available.
The net price tiers favor lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay $13,464. over $110k, you pay $25,373. If you qualify for the lowest tier and finish a business degree, the numbers can work. If you are paying the top tier for an education major, look elsewhere. This school fits you best if your family income is low and you graduate.
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.