At $18,467/yr net price, Saint Leo University graduates earn $48,364/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,364/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,467 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,868 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,364/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,364/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,278 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,216/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,891/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,642/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,839/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,342/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $59,895 | |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,866 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,918 | $56,375 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $55,770 | $33,626 |
| Education, General. | Master | $54,948 | $51,901 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $53,775 | $41,000 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,299 | $51,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $51,690 | $56,375 |
The Risk Factor
48.8% of students at Saint Leo 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
Saint Leo University delivers below-average returns despite reasonable tuition costs. With median 10-year earnings of $48,364 against a net price of $18,467 annually, graduates earn less than many state university counterparts while carrying similar debt loads.
Business programs provide the strongest financial outcomes, with general business majors earning $59,895 and management information systems graduates pulling $58,866. Computer science offers solid returns at $55,770 with manageable debt of $33,626. Business administration majors face a concerning mismatch between earnings ($56,918) and debt ($56,375), creating tight early-career budgets.
The 48.8% graduation rate and 57.8% retention rate signal significant completion risks that amplify your financial exposure. Nearly half of entering students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The low retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles that could affect your ability to finish.
You should consider Saint Leo if you plan to study business or computer science and value small class sizes over maximum earning potential. The school works best for students with strong academic preparation who can handle the completion challenges. Florida residents might find better value at state universities with similar net prices but higher earning outcomes.
Avoid Saint Leo for liberal arts majors or if you need extensive academic support services. The combination of moderate costs, below-average earnings, and high dropout risk creates poor odds for non-business majors. Only 36.8% of students receive financial aid, limiting assistance for middle-income families who fall outside aid eligibility but struggle with full costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Leo University worth the cost?
Saint Leo University's graduates earn a median of $48,364 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates nationwide. With a net price of $18,467 annually and median debt of $25,278, the financial return is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at Saint Leo University?
Business and technology programs offer the best ROI at Saint Leo University, with general business graduates earning around $59,895 and computer science majors earning $55,770. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average.
How much debt do Saint Leo University graduates typically have?
Saint Leo University graduates carry a median debt of $25,278, which is reasonable compared to many private universities. However, with graduate earnings of $48,364, it may take longer to pay off loans compared to higher-earning programs.
What is Saint Leo University's graduation rate and job outcomes?
Saint Leo University has a 48.8% graduation rate, meaning about half of students don't finish their degree. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that potential students should weigh against the school's costs and benefits.