At $24,987/yr net price, Mount St. Mary's University graduates earn $64,072/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,072/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,987 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,072/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,072/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,391 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,674/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,842/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,088/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,028/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,050/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $90,412 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,331 | $20,712 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,157 | $19,500 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $53,697 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,432 | $31,066 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $45,249 | $23,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $23,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $40,896 | $26,312 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $21,500 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $37,363 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
58.0% of students at Mount St. 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 St. Mary's University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in specific career-focused programs but concerning debt levels in education fields. Your major choice will largely determine whether this investment pays off.
Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn $90,412 annually, making this program the clear financial winner. Business Administration follows at $68,331 with manageable debt of $20,712, while Accounting graduates earn $56,157 with even lower debt at $19,500. These programs justify the school's cost structure.
Education majors face a troubling financial picture. Teacher Education graduates carry $31,066 in debt while earning just $48,432, creating a debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging on typical teacher salaries in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The 58% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you'll still owe money without the earning boost that justifies the investment. The 70% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many students to leave.
Only 27% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit scholarships may be available, but the net price of $24,987 remains substantial for most families.
This school works financially if you're pursuing business, healthcare administration, or accounting and can handle the academic demands. Your family should have solid financial backing since aid is limited. Avoid Mount St. Mary's if you're considering education, need significant financial aid, or lack strong academic preparation that could put graduation at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount St. Mary's University worth the cost?
Mount St. Mary's University graduates earn $64,072 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $24,987 per year and median debt of $25,391, the return on investment is modest compared to other four-year institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Mount St. Mary's University?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads with $90,412 in median earnings, followed by Business Administration at $68,331. Education majors earn significantly less at $48,432, while Theology graduates average $53,697.
How much debt do Mount St. Mary's University graduates typically have?
The median debt for Mount St. Mary's graduates is $25,391, which is manageable given the school's relatively affordable net price. However, graduates in lower-paying fields like education may struggle more with loan payments.
Does Mount St. Mary's University have good graduation rates?
Mount St. Mary's has a 58% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. This means 4 out of 10 students who start don't finish their degree, increasing the risk of debt without a diploma.