At $17,833/yr net price, Mary Baldwin University graduates earn $44,427/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,427/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,833 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,332 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,427/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,427/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,586 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,996/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,762/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,899/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,736/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,106/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,739 | $20,700 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $39,648 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $30,500 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $34,420 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $25,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $28,960 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
The Risk Factor
55.7% of students at Mary Baldwin 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
Mary Baldwin University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $44,427 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $26,586, you face a challenging financial outlook that gets worse when you factor in the 55% graduation rate.
Teacher education offers your best shot at reasonable returns, with graduates earning $43,739 while carrying lower debt of $20,700. Business administration graduates earn just $35,274 despite accumulating $30,500 in debt, creating a particularly poor value proposition. Liberal arts majors like sociology and history face even steeper uphill climbs with earnings in the low-to-mid $30,000s.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its retention and graduation rates. Nearly 40% of students leave without completing their degree, yet still carry debt from their time enrolled. The 61% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that compound the ROI problem.
Mary Baldwin works financially only for students committed to teaching careers who can secure strong financial aid packages. The relatively low net price of $17,833 helps, but you need substantial grants or scholarships to make the numbers work given the modest earning potential.
If you're considering business, liberal arts, or other high-debt programs here, look elsewhere. Community college transfer pathways or in-state public universities offer better financial outcomes for these fields. Only pursue Mary Baldwin if you receive aid packages that dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs and debt burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mary Baldwin University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $44,427 ten years after attending and median debt of $26,586, Mary Baldwin offers moderate financial returns. The relatively low graduation rate of 56% means significant risk that students may not complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Mary Baldwin University?
Teacher education graduates earn the highest at $43,739 annually, followed by area studies at $39,648. Business and sociology majors earn considerably less at $35,274 and $34,420 respectively.
How much debt do Mary Baldwin University graduates have?
The median debt load is $26,586, which is manageable given the $44,427 average earnings. However, graduates in lower-paying fields like history ($32,925) may struggle with loan payments.
Does Mary Baldwin University have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,833 annually suggests decent financial aid for a private university. This makes the school more affordable than many competitors, though outcomes vary significantly by major.