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 gives you a solid financial return, but the strength comes almost entirely from its business programs. The $86,881 median earnings ten years out sits well above the roughly $25,500 you carry in debt, so the debt load stays manageable for most graduates. The 79.8% graduation rate and 88% retention rate matter here: you are likely to finish and start earning, which is where most college financial risk actually lives.
Business is where the money is. Accounting graduates clear near $64,000 and finance around $60,600, both while borrowing under $25,000. Insurance stands out because it pairs $60,399 in earnings with the lowest debt on the list at $21,500, giving you the best debt-to-earnings ratio of any listed major. Philadelphia's finance, accounting, and insurance employers give these degrees a clear regional path. Management and human resources round out the top five in the high-to-mid $50,000s.
The risk is program choice. Every top-earning major listed is business, and none of them start much above $60,000. If you enroll in something outside business and pay the same $35,487 net price, you are betting on a payoff the data here does not show. This is a school where your major, not your enrollment, decides your return.
On price, the tiers are unusually flat. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $30,742, only about $6,000 less than the highest-income tier. Aid does not scale down steeply for lower incomes here, so a low-income family carries a heavy relative burden. Saint Joseph's fits you if you want business and can absorb a net price near $31,000 to $37,000. If you plan a non-business major or need aid that tracks closely to income, look elsewhere.
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.