At $35,487/yr net price, Saint Joseph's University graduates earn $86,881/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $52,881/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,487 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $141,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $86,881/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$52,881/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,742/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,882/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,514/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,264/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,689/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Master | $144,240 | $41,000 |
| Marketing. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $91,744 | $42,887 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $86,550 | $34,166 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $67,473 | $38,359 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $64,196 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $24,560 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $62,818 | $41,000 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $61,630 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
79.8% of students at Saint Joseph's University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 20% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Joseph's University delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $86,881 ten years out justifying the $35,487 annual net price for families who can afford it upfront.
Business programs drive the strongest outcomes here. Specialized Sales and Marketing Operations graduates earn $144,240 annually, making it one of the highest-paying undergraduate programs in the region. Marketing majors also perform well at $103,078, while general Business and Finance programs cluster around $85,000 to $92,000. These earnings reflect Saint Joseph's strong connections to Philadelphia's corporate market and established alumni network in financial services.
The financial risk centers on debt load relative to program choice. While the median debt of $25,500 stays manageable across most majors, some business concentrations carry debt above $40,000. You need to match your specific program's debt level against its earning potential rather than assuming all Saint Joseph's degrees perform equally.
This university works financially for middle and upper-middle-class families who can cover most costs through savings and modest borrowing. The 79.8% graduation rate means you have good odds of finishing, and the 88% retention rate suggests strong student support systems that reduce dropout risk.
Only 18% of students receive need-based aid, signaling limited financial assistance for lower-income families. If you need substantial aid to make college affordable, Saint Joseph's pricing structure will likely push this school out of reach. Merit scholarships exist but compete heavily among high-achieving applicants.
Skip Saint Joseph's if you plan to major outside business or need significant financial aid. The university's value proposition depends entirely on accessing those high-earning business programs and graduating without excessive debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Joseph's University worth the cost?
Saint Joseph's University graduates earn $86,881 after 10 years, which is reasonable but not exceptional given the $35,487 annual net price. The specialized sales program significantly outperforms other majors with $144,240 in earnings, making the investment worthwhile for those students.
What are the best paying majors at Saint Joseph's University?
Specialized Sales leads with $144,240 in 10-year earnings, followed by Marketing at $103,078. Business and Finance majors earn in the $80,000-90,000 range, which is solid but not outstanding for the tuition cost.
How much debt do Saint Joseph's University graduates have?
The median debt is $25,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. With most graduates earning $86,881 after 10 years, the debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for most programs.
Does Saint Joseph's University have good financial aid?
The net price of $35,487 suggests moderate financial aid since the sticker price is higher. With an 88% acceptance rate, the school is accessible but may not offer the most generous aid packages compared to more selective institutions.