At $18,295/yr net price, Mount Mary University graduates earn $48,745/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,745/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,295 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,745/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,745/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,288 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,470/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,079/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,312/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,665/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,654/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $43,054 | $51,247 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $42,682 | $52,515 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $41,565 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,526 | |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $21,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $26,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $31,495 | $26,500 |
The Risk Factor
58.9% of students at Mount Mary 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
Mount Mary University delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice. The $18,295 annual net price positions this Milwaukee Catholic university as relatively affordable among private institutions, but graduation rates hover at just 59% and retention sits at 66%.
Business administration majors see the strongest returns at $69,338 annually, making the degree financially viable despite modest debt loads. However, psychology and rehabilitation therapy graduates face concerning debt-to-income ratios, earning around $43,000 while carrying over $50,000 in debt. These programs create genuine financial risk that could take decades to resolve.
The school's women-focused mission attracts students to traditionally lower-paying fields like education and social work, which explains the modest $48,745 median earnings across all graduates. If you're committed to these career paths, Mount Mary's supportive environment may justify the investment, but expect slower financial returns.
Mount Mary works best for Wisconsin residents planning to stay regional, where the alumni network and local employer relationships provide advantages. Business majors and those qualifying for substantial need-based aid face the strongest financial prospects. However, if you're borrowing heavily for psychology or therapy programs, state schools offer similar training with dramatically lower debt burdens.
The 58% of students receiving financial aid suggests generous need-based assistance, but merit scholarships remain limited. Your best strategy involves maximizing federal aid and choosing business programs if return on investment drives your decision. Students drawn to helping professions should carefully calculate debt loads against realistic starting salaries in their intended geographic area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Mary University worth the cost?
Mount Mary University's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $48,745 ten years after enrollment against a median debt of $25,288. The school's 59% graduation rate is concerning, meaning many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Which programs at Mount Mary University have the best job prospects?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $69,338 annually, making it the strongest financial choice at Mount Mary University. Psychology and rehabilitation programs show lower earnings around $42,000-43,000, which may struggle to justify the cost.
How much debt do Mount Mary University students typically graduate with?
Mount Mary University graduates carry a median debt of $25,288. With average earnings of $48,745 after ten years, this debt load is manageable for most graduates who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Mount Mary University?
Mount Mary University has a 59% graduation rate, meaning 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. This increases the risk of taking on debt without the earning potential that comes with completing a program.