At $37,037/yr net price, Marymount Manhattan College graduates earn $49,131/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,131/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,037 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $148,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,131/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,131/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,751/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,492/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,754/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,332/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,959/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $24,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,719 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $25,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $28,960 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $23,842 | $27,000 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $21,403 | $26,595 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $16,663 |
The Risk Factor
49.8% of students at Marymount Manhattan College 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
Marymount Manhattan College delivers poor financial returns for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $49,131 against a $37,037 annual net price, you face a difficult path to positive ROI.
The graduation rate of 50% means half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. Even graduates in the highest-paying program, Communication and Media Studies, earn just $36,848 annually while carrying $24,500 in debt. Theatre majors face the worst financial outcome, earning $23,842 with $27,000 in debt.
Your financial risk extends beyond low earnings. The 65% retention rate signals many students struggle to complete their programs, likely due to academic or financial pressures. Only 28% of students receive financial aid, meaning most pay close to full price for degrees that generate modest returns in an expensive city.
This school makes financial sense only if you have significant family wealth and prioritize the Manhattan location over return on investment. The small class sizes and urban setting come at a premium that the job market outcomes cannot justify.
If you need your college investment to pay off financially, look elsewhere. State schools or institutions with stronger career services and industry connections will serve you better. Marymount Manhattan works for students who can afford the luxury of an expensive liberal arts education in Manhattan without depending on post-graduation earnings to recoup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marymount Manhattan College worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $37,037 annually and median graduate earnings of $49,131 after 10 years, the return on investment is weak compared to most colleges. The low 50% graduation rate adds significant risk to this investment.
What are the best paying majors at Marymount Manhattan College?
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn the highest at $36,848 annually, followed by Business Administration at $33,719. However, even the top-earning programs produce below-average salaries relative to the school's cost.
How much debt do Marymount Manhattan College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $25,750, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with starting salaries often below $40,000 for most programs, even this debt level can strain budgets.
Should I choose Marymount Manhattan College for theater or arts programs?
Drama and theater graduates earn only $23,842 annually on average, making it difficult to justify the $37,000 yearly cost. Consider whether the New York City location and industry connections offset the poor financial returns.