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 asks you to pay roughly $37,000 a year to land at median earnings near $49,000 a decade out. That gap is the core problem. You borrow around $25,750 and graduate into a return that barely clears what a New York City living wage demands, in one of the most expensive job markets in the country.
The program numbers make it worse, not better. Every top major here reports early-career earnings in the $24,000 to $37,000 range. Communication and Media Studies leads at about $37,000, and Business Administration trails just behind. Drama and Theatre Arts sits at the bottom near $24,000 while carrying the highest debt of the listed programs at $27,000. If you enroll for the theatre program, you should expect to owe more and earn less than nearly any other path at this school.
Two other risks stand out. Only about half of you will graduate, and only two-thirds return after freshman year. Those figures mean a real chance you pay for time here without finishing the degree that justifies the price.
The net price tiers do not help lower-income families the way you'd want. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay close to $30,000 a year, and the discount over higher-income families is small. Aid here does not scale steeply with need, so the sticker shock hits hard across the income range.
This school fits you if you're set on a Manhattan location and a communication or business path, and you can limit borrowing. Look elsewhere if you're pursuing theatre or design purely on financial terms, or if you need a school where aid meaningfully closes the gap for a modest income. The math here rewards low debt and a clear plan, and punishes everything else.
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.