At $17,760/yr net price, Our Lady of the Lake University graduates earn $48,675/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,675/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,760 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,040 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,675/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,675/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,999 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,664/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,620/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,021/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,902/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,614/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $71,015 | $48,560 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $86,192 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $65,387 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,625 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $46,673 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $46,177 | $53,897 |
The Risk Factor
42.4% of students at Our Lady of the Lake 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
Our Lady of the Lake University is a financial gamble that only pays off under narrow conditions. The median graduate earns about $48,675 ten years out, but the school graduates fewer than half its students in six years, and only 58% come back after freshman year. If you leave without the degree, you still owe the loans, and that risk is real here.
The programs point you in specific directions. Teacher education is the only listed bachelor's major that clears $45k, and it does so without heavy borrowing. Business, social work, psychology, and biology all land in the low-to-mid $30k range at graduation while carrying $25,000 or more in debt. Biology is the worst deal of the group: the highest debt load ($27,750) paired with the lowest starting pay. If you plan to major in psychology or biology and stop at a bachelor's, the math does not work in San Antonio's job market.
The net price tiers are unusual and worth reading carefully. Families earning $30k-$48k pay the most at $24,620, more than families making over $110k. If your household is in that band, you are paying top-tier price on a modest-earning degree, which is the hardest combination to justify. Families under $30k pay about $17,664, and the $48k-$110k range pays the least.
This school fits you if you want to teach and will finish the degree. Teacher education graduates earn enough to service the debt, and the low borrowing on that path keeps the risk contained. If you are chasing a high-earning career through biology, psychology, or business, look at schools with stronger graduation rates and better starting salaries before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Our Lady of the Lake University worth the cost?
Our Lady of the Lake University's value depends heavily on your major. With a 42% graduation rate and median earnings of $48,675 ten years after enrollment, the return is mixed compared to the $17,760 annual net price.
What are the best paying majors at Our Lady of the Lake University?
Computer/Information Technology Administration pays best at $97,071 median salary, followed by nursing programs at $84,653. These tech and healthcare programs offer strong returns that justify the cost.
How much debt do Our Lady of the Lake University graduates have?
The median debt is $24,999, which is manageable if you complete a high-paying program like IT or nursing. However, with the low 42% graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Does Our Lady of the Lake University have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,760 suggests decent financial aid for a private university. This makes programs with strong earning potential more affordable, though you still need to graduate to see the benefits.