At $43,465/yr net price, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College graduates earn $43,845/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,845/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $43,465 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $173,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,845/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,845/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,512 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $40,812/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $41,307/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $44,117/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $46,408/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,639/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | $18,000 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $38,829 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $38,018 | $50,547 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $23,013 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $19,187 |
The Risk Factor
52.3% of students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 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 Mary-of-the-Woods College delivers poor financial returns for most students. With a net price of $43,465 and median earnings of just $43,845 after ten years, you'll barely earn more than what you pay annually for tuition.
Business Administration offers the only decent financial outcome at $52,107 in median earnings with relatively low debt loads. Every other major program falls short financially. Education majors earn in the low $30,000s despite accumulating debt, making loan repayment a serious challenge. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates face the worst scenario with $50,547 in debt while earning only $38,018.
The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students who start here never finish, yet still accumulate debt and opportunity costs. Low retention rates signal student dissatisfaction or financial strain that forces departures.
This school works financially only if you're pursuing Business Administration and can secure substantial merit aid or family funding. The rural Indiana location limits high-paying job opportunities, particularly problematic given the school's high costs.
You should look elsewhere unless you have compelling non-financial reasons to attend and can afford the poor return on investment. The combination of high costs, low earnings outcomes, and weak completion rates creates significant financial risk for most students. State universities in Indiana offer similar programs with much better cost-to-earnings ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College worth the cost?
With a net price of $43,465 and median earnings of $43,845 ten years after graduation, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College barely breaks even financially. The business programs offer better returns at $52,107 median earnings, but education majors face significant financial challenges with starting salaries around $33,000.
What is the ROI for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College graduates?
The return on investment is poor for most programs, with graduates earning roughly what they pay annually in net costs. Only business administration graduates see meaningful positive returns, while education and ministry majors face years of financial strain.
How much debt do Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students graduate with?
The median debt load is $19,512, which is manageable compared to the high annual costs. However, with low graduation rates at 52% and weak earning potential in most programs, even this debt level poses risks for many students.
Which programs at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College have the best job prospects?
Business administration offers the strongest financial outcomes with $52,107 median earnings. Education and ministry programs dominate enrollment but lead to significantly lower salaries that make the college costs difficult to justify.