At $23,295/yr net price, Mount Marty University graduates earn $48,179/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,179/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,295 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,179/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,179/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,396 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,894/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,254/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,226/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,340/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,145/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. | Master | $169,592 | $88,791 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,641 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,909 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,729 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $22,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.6% of students at Mount Marty University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mount Marty University delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,641 annually, making the $27,000 median debt manageable. A smaller cohort of nursing graduates reaches $169,592 in earnings, though they carry significantly higher debt loads of $88,791.
Education and accounting majors face poor financial prospects. Teachers earn around $41,500 annually while carrying similar debt burdens to nursing students, creating a much tougher repayment scenario. Accounting graduates earn just $39,909, well below the national average for the field.
The 60% graduation rate and 70% retention rate signal academic struggles that could extend your time to degree and increase total costs. With only 19% of students receiving aid, you will likely pay close to the full $23,295 annual price unless you qualify for merit scholarships.
Mount Marty makes financial sense if you plan to pursue nursing and can complete the program successfully. The regional healthcare job market in South Dakota supports nursing career growth. However, you should look elsewhere for education or business degrees where the earning potential does not justify the cost.
Consider Mount Marty only if you have strong academic credentials that position you for nursing program success, or if you receive substantial merit aid that brings your annual costs below $18,000. The school works best for South Dakota residents planning to stay in-state for their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Marty University worth the cost?
Mount Marty's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $56,641 after 10 years, making the $26,396 median debt manageable, but education majors earning around $41,000 face a tougher payoff.
What is Mount Marty University's return on investment?
With average 10-year earnings of $48,179 and a net price of $23,295 per year, Mount Marty offers below-average ROI compared to national standards. The 60% graduation rate means 4 in 10 students don't finish their degrees.
How much debt do Mount Marty University graduates have?
Mount Marty graduates carry a median debt of $26,396. This is reasonable for nursing majors but creates financial strain for education graduates earning in the low $40,000s.
Which Mount Marty University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest career outcomes at Mount Marty, with graduates earning $56,641 within 10 years. Education and accounting majors face lower starting salaries that may not justify the full cost of attendance.