At $23,987/yr net price, Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates earn $50,030/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,030/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,987 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,030/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,030/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,384 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,180/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,481/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,272/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,360/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,319/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,544 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,713 | $20,571 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $41,992 | $35,552 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $37,208 | $51,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $23,720 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $33,637 | $25,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $33,281 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $23,250 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $24,750 |
The Risk Factor
77.1% of students at Franciscan University of Steubenville graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Franciscan University of Steubenville delivers weak financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of just $50,030 ten years after graduation despite a net price approaching $24,000 annually. Your investment faces significant headwinds in eastern Ohio's limited job market.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $57,544 in median earnings with manageable debt of $27,000. Business administration shows mixed results with one track earning $54,713 but another version producing only $42,682 despite identical debt loads. Psychology graduates face a particularly harsh financial reality, earning just $37,208 while carrying crushing debt of $51,250.
Theology majors encounter the steepest financial challenge at this Catholic institution. Despite the university's religious mission making these programs central to its identity, graduates earn only $41,992 while shouldering $35,552 in debt. The regional job market offers limited opportunities for theology graduates outside of ministry positions.
Financial aid reaches just 21% of students, suggesting most families pay close to sticker price. The 77% graduation rate means nearly one in four students leave without a degree, making debt without credentials a real risk.
You should consider Franciscan if you plan to study nursing and value the Catholic environment enough to accept below-average returns. Business students might find better ROI elsewhere, while psychology and theology majors face steep financial obstacles. The school works best for families who can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily, given the weak earning potential across most programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franciscan University of Steubenville worth the cost?
Franciscan University graduates earn $50,030 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $23,987 per year and median debt of $23,384, the return on investment is modest compared to other private universities.
What are the best paying majors at Franciscan University of Steubenville?
Nursing programs offer the strongest financial returns, with registered nursing graduates earning $57,544 annually. Business administration graduates earn between $42,682-$54,713, while theology and psychology majors see significantly lower earnings at $41,992 and $37,208 respectively.
How much debt do Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates have?
The median debt for Franciscan graduates is $23,384, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, graduates in lower-paying fields like theology may struggle to pay off loans with starting salaries around $42,000.
Does Franciscan University of Steubenville have good job outcomes?
The school has a solid 77% graduation rate, but employment outcomes vary significantly by major. Nursing and business students typically find good career prospects, while humanities and theology graduates face a more challenging job market with lower average salaries.