At $17,740/yr net price, Saint Augustine's University graduates earn $35,730/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,730/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,740 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,730/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,730/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 41 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,669 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,346/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,116/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,866/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,317/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,861/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $29,669 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $25,774 | $35,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
33.2% of students at Saint Augustine's University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Saint Augustine's University presents a challenging financial proposition with median graduate earnings of $35,730 against a net price of $17,740 annually. Your investment faces significant headwinds from a 33% graduation rate and 53% retention rate, meaning two-thirds of students never finish their degrees.
Business Administration offers the strongest earning potential at $32,711, though this still trails the overall median by $3,000. Criminal Justice graduates carry the highest debt load at $35,000 while earning just $25,774, creating an especially poor debt-to-income ratio. Psychology and Health Sciences programs cluster around $25,000 in earnings, making loan repayment difficult on these salaries.
The school's location in Raleigh provides access to North Carolina's growing job market, but low graduation rates suggest many students accumulate debt without earning degrees. The 52% of students receiving financial aid indicates significant need-based support, but merit scholarships appear limited given the overall financial profile.
You should consider Saint Augustine's only if you can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily, particularly if pursuing Criminal Justice or lower-earning programs. The combination of modest earnings and high non-completion risk makes this school financially viable mainly for students with strong family financial support or those committed to fields where salary growth accelerates significantly after entry level. Students requiring loans to attend should explore alternatives with stronger graduation rates and earning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Augustine's University worth the cost?
Saint Augustine's University has concerning ROI metrics with graduates earning $35,730 ten years after enrollment while carrying median debt of $29,669. The low 33% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, making the investment particularly risky.
What are the highest paying majors at Saint Augustine's University?
Business Administration graduates from Saint Augustine's University earn the most at $32,711 annually, followed by Sociology at $29,685. Even the top-earning programs produce below-average salaries compared to national college graduate earnings.
How much debt do Saint Augustine's University graduates have?
Saint Augustine's University graduates carry a median debt of $29,669, which represents a significant burden given the low average earnings of $35,730. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Saint Augustine's University?
Only 33% of students graduate from Saint Augustine's University, meaning two-thirds of enrollees don't complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk for prospective students.