At $16,135/yr net price, Mount St. Joseph University graduates earn $51,509/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,509/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,135 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,509/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,509/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,827 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,206/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,412/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,526/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,001/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,642/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,686 | $97,414 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $58,131 | $47,495 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,123 | $36,964 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,821 | $29,750 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $36,941 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
54.7% of students at Mount St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph University delivers mixed returns with significant variation between programs that could make or break your investment. The school's rehabilitation therapy program stands out with nearly $72,000 in median earnings, though you'll carry close to $100,000 in debt to get there. Nursing graduates fare much better financially, earning around $57,000-$58,000 while keeping debt loads more manageable at $27,000-$47,000.
The numbers turn concerning for education and business majors. Teachers earn just $42,000 against $37,000 in debt, creating a tight financial squeeze in your early career. Business graduates see similar challenges with $41,000 earnings and $30,000 debt loads that limit financial flexibility.
Your biggest risk here is the 55% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who enroll never finish, meaning they carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying jobs. The 76% retention rate suggests many students realize the financial mismatch early but after already taking on costs.
Mount St. Joseph works best if you're targeting healthcare careers, particularly nursing or rehabilitation therapy, where the regional Cincinnati market supports strong employment outcomes. The $16,000 net price makes it accessible, but only 27% of students receive aid, so verify your financial aid package early.
Skip this school if you're considering education or business majors where the return doesn't justify the investment. The combination of modest earnings potential and below-average graduation rates creates unnecessary financial risk when other regional options offer better outcomes in these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount St. Joseph University worth the money?
Mount St. Joseph University offers decent value if you pursue nursing or rehabilitation programs, which lead to earnings of $57,000-$71,000. However, the overall 10-year earnings of $51,509 are below average for the debt load, and the 55% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Mount St. Joseph University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions top the list at $71,686 in median earnings, followed by nursing programs around $57,000-$58,000. Education and business majors earn significantly less at $40,000-$42,000.
How much debt do Mount St. Joseph University graduates have?
The median debt is $26,827, which is manageable if you graduate in a high-paying field like nursing or rehabilitation. For lower-earning majors like education or business, this debt level could be problematic given their $40,000-$42,000 earnings.
Does Mount St. Joseph University have good financial aid?
The net price of $16,135 per year is reasonable for a private university. However, with only 55% of students graduating and moderate post-graduation earnings, the financial aid doesn't fully offset the risk of not completing your degree.