At $22,618/yr net price, Saint Martin's University graduates earn $62,092/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,092/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,618 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,092/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,092/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,233/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,657/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,090/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,956/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,720/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,045 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,623 | $23,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,995 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $55,964 | $50,086 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,118 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $46,087 | $82,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $44,077 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $40,896 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,048 | $23,500 |
The Risk Factor
57.1% of students at Saint Martin's 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 Martin's University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in nursing and engineering but concerning debt levels in education programs. The $22,618 net price positions this private Catholic university competitively against Washington state schools, though you need to choose your major carefully.
Nursing graduates earn $66,045 annually with reasonable debt loads, making this program the clear financial winner. Civil and mechanical engineering also provide solid returns, though mechanical engineering graduates carry $27,000 in debt compared to civil engineering's $23,500. Business administration graduates earn $58,221, offering decent prospects without excessive borrowing.
Teacher education presents the biggest financial risk at Saint Martin's. Education majors graduate with $50,086 in debt while earning just $55,964, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. You should avoid education programs here unless you have significant family support or merit aid.
The 57% graduation rate raises red flags about your likelihood of completing your degree. Nearly three in ten students leave after freshman year, suggesting academic or financial struggles. This dropout risk amplifies the financial gamble, especially if you borrow early in your college career.
Saint Martin's works best financially for students pursuing nursing or engineering who can graduate on time. The school's location near Olympia provides access to state government jobs and healthcare systems that value these degrees. You should look elsewhere if you want education credentials, struggle academically, or need extensive financial aid beyond the basic package 40% of students receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Martin's University worth the cost?
Saint Martin's University graduates earn $62,092 ten years after enrollment with median debt of $22,500, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. However, the 57% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts the return on investment for those who drop out.
What programs at Saint Martin's University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Saint Martin's University offer the strongest return with graduates earning $66,045 annually. Engineering programs also perform well, with civil engineers earning $60,623 and mechanical engineers earning $57,995, both well above the school's overall average.
How much debt do Saint Martin's University students typically graduate with?
Saint Martin's University graduates carry a median debt load of $22,500, which is reasonable compared to their $62,092 average earnings. The annual net price of $22,618 means students can expect total debt close to this median if they graduate in four years.
Does Saint Martin's University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $22,618 per year, Saint Martin's University's financial aid brings costs down from the full sticker price. The resulting debt levels are manageable for most graduates, though students should consider the 57% graduation rate when evaluating financial risk.