At $25,009/yr net price, Mount Saint Mary's University graduates earn $72,379/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $38,379/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,009 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,036 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,379/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$38,379/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,949 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,327/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,266/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,413/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,738/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,716/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. | Associate | $82,440 | $18,069 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $82,440 | $173,420 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,662 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 | $41,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,579 | $49,100 |
| Education, General. | Master | $52,385 | $40,999 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,265 | $31,250 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $46,478 | |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $32,563 | $26,500 |
The Risk Factor
53.4% of students at Mount Saint Mary's 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 Saint Mary's University delivers strong returns for nursing students but leaves graduates in other majors struggling with debt loads that don't match their earning power. The nursing programs stand out with starting salaries above $80,000 and manageable debt under $25,000, creating a clear path to financial success in Los Angeles's competitive healthcare market.
Business administration graduates earn $67,660 but carry $41,000 in debt, creating a longer payback period that may strain your budget in an expensive city. Special education majors face the toughest financial reality with $56,579 salaries against $49,100 in debt. The rehabilitation and therapeutic professions program shows concerning debt levels at $173,420, making it financially dangerous despite strong starting salaries.
The 53% graduation rate creates significant risk if you don't finish your degree. With three-quarters of students returning for sophomore year, the school shows retention challenges that could leave you with debt but no credential. The $25,949 median debt figure masks wide variations between programs that make your major choice critical to your financial outcome.
You should consider Mount Saint Mary's if you plan to study nursing and want to work in Southern California's healthcare system. The school makes financial sense for students who qualify for substantial aid, given that 55% of students receive assistance. Avoid this school if you're interested in education or rehabilitation fields where the debt-to-income ratios create long-term financial stress. Students uncertain about their major face particular risk given the wide variation in outcomes between programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Saint Mary's University worth the cost?
Mount Saint Mary's University offers mixed value with a net price of $25,009 and 10-year earnings of $72,379. The nursing programs provide strong returns at over $80,000 annually, but the 53% graduation rate creates significant risk for students who don't complete their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at Mount Saint Mary's University?
Nursing programs at Mount Saint Mary's University lead in earnings at $81,662-$82,440 annually, followed by rehabilitation and therapeutic professions at $82,440. Business administration graduates earn $67,660, while special education majors earn $56,579.
How much debt do Mount Saint Mary's University graduates have?
Mount Saint Mary's University graduates carry a median debt of $25,949, which is manageable for nursing graduates earning over $80,000 but creates financial stress for lower-earning majors. The debt-to-income ratio varies significantly by program choice.
What is the graduation rate at Mount Saint Mary's University?
Mount Saint Mary's University has a 53% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degrees. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk for students who take on debt but don't graduate.