At $27,075/yr net price, Saint Louis University graduates earn $70,783/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,783/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,075 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $108,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,783/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,783/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,869/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,738/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,950/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,695/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,177/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Master | $174,023 | |
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $114,892 | |
| International Business. | Master | $109,763 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $108,649 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,243 | $65,361 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,904 | $46,053 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $85,391 | $107,293 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,343 | $61,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,446 |
The Risk Factor
79.8% of students at Saint Louis University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 20% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Louis University delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $70,783 ten years after graduation against a net price of $27,075 annually. Your investment pays back in roughly four years, making this a financially sound choice for most students.
The school's pre-professional programs drive the strongest returns. Dentistry graduates earn $174,023, while nursing students can expect $108,000 to $115,000 depending on specialization. International business also performs well at $109,763, benefiting from Saint Louis's position as a corporate headquarters hub for companies like Anheuser-Busch and Edward Jones.
The financial aid picture creates concern. Only 15% of students receive aid, suggesting either most families can afford full price or the school's aid packages fall short for middle-income students. With median debt at $25,000, you'll likely graduate with manageable loans if you qualify for aid, but paying sticker price becomes expensive quickly.
Saint Louis University works best financially if you're targeting healthcare, business, or other pre-professional tracks where the school's strong alumni network and clinical partnerships create clear career paths. The 88% retention rate indicates students stay engaged, and the 80% graduation rate means you'll likely finish your degree.
Avoid this school if you're undecided about your major or interested in fields with lower earning potential. The limited financial aid makes it a risky choice for families earning too much to qualify for need-based aid but too little to comfortably afford $27,000 annually. Consider state alternatives if you're not pursuing one of the school's standout programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Louis University worth the cost?
Saint Louis University graduates earn $70,783 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for a private university costing $27,075 per year. The school's value depends heavily on your major, with dental and nursing programs offering much stronger returns than the average.
What are the best paying majors at Saint Louis University?
Dentistry leads at $174,023 annually, followed by advanced dental studies at $122,038 and nursing programs around $108,000-115,000. These healthcare programs justify the cost much better than other majors at the university.
How much debt do Saint Louis University students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. With average earnings of $70,783 after graduation, most students should be able to handle their loan payments.
Does Saint Louis University have good financial aid?
The net price of $27,075 represents decent financial aid for a private university, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, you'll still pay significantly more than attending a public university in Missouri.