At $23,736/yr net price, Mount Saint Mary College graduates earn $67,705/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,705/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,736 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,705/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,705/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,007 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,704/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,922/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,389/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,289/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,745/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 | $100,038 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $84,085 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,045 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $54,463 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,941 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $51,273 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $44,260 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,153 | $24,999 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
65.7% of students at Mount Saint Mary College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mount Saint Mary College delivers strong returns for nursing students but weaker outcomes for most other majors. The school's nursing programs generate median earnings over $84,000, well above the overall graduate median of $67,705. This premium reflects the Hudson Valley's strong healthcare job market and the program's solid reputation among regional employers.
Your major choice determines your financial outcome here. Nursing graduates earn nearly double what education majors make at $54,463. Business and accounting programs fall in the middle range but trail significantly behind healthcare careers. If you're not pursuing nursing, the $23,736 annual net price becomes harder to justify given the earnings potential.
The school's 65.7% graduation rate creates meaningful financial risk. Nearly one-third of students don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 74% retention rate suggests struggles begin early, often in the first year. These completion challenges particularly hurt students in lower-earning majors who need their degrees to recoup costs.
Mount Saint Mary works financially if you're committed to nursing and value smaller class sizes over prestige. The program's regional connections and clinical partnerships provide clear career pathways. Students pursuing education or business should compare outcomes carefully against less expensive SUNY options that may offer better value.
Only 30% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but compete with stronger aid packages at comparable regional schools. Your best cost strategy involves graduating quickly in a high-earning program rather than relying heavily on institutional aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Saint Mary College worth the cost?
Mount Saint Mary College offers decent value for nursing students, with graduates earning over $84,000 annually, but other programs show weaker returns given the $23,736 annual net price. With a 65% graduation rate and median debt of $26,007, it's a moderate financial risk.
What are the highest paying majors at Mount Saint Mary College?
Nursing programs at Mount Saint Mary College lead earnings at $84,000-$100,000 annually, making them the clear financial winners. Business and education majors earn significantly less at $53,000-$59,000, which may not justify the cost for some students.
How much debt do Mount Saint Mary College graduates have?
Mount Saint Mary College graduates carry a median debt of $26,007, which is manageable for nursing majors but potentially burdensome for education and business graduates earning $52,000-$59,000. The debt-to-income ratio varies significantly by program choice.
Does Mount Saint Mary College have good job outcomes?
Mount Saint Mary College graduates earn $67,705 on average after 10 years, but this figure is heavily skewed by high-earning nursing graduates. The 65% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish their degree.