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 leaves you with a thin financial return. Ten years out, median earnings sit below what many state schools deliver, while median debt lands near $27,000. That gap between what you borrow and what you earn is the core problem here, and none of the top-earning bachelor's programs close it convincingly.
Look at the majors and the ceiling is low. Area Studies tops the list, but even that trails what business or nursing grads pull at comparable schools. Business Administration pays less than $36,000 while carrying the heaviest debt load on campus at $30,500 , you take on the most and earn barely more than sociology or history majors who borrow less. Liberal Arts and General Studies sits at the bottom near $30,000. There is no high-paying technical or health program in this data to anchor a strong return, so your major choice won't rescue the math the way it might elsewhere.
The specific risk is retention. Only about six in ten students come back for a second year, and just over half finish. Leave with debt and no degree, and the earnings numbers above never apply to you at all , that's the worst outcome, and it happens here more than at schools that hold onto their students.
The net price tiers are the one bright spot. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $15,000 a year, and the school does not punish low-income families with steep pricing. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $23,000, and the return gets harder to justify at that price.
This school fits you if you qualify for the lower price tiers, plan to graduate, and value the specific programs offered over raw earnings. If you're paying full freight or chasing salary, look elsewhere.
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.