At $31,198/yr net price, Saint Mary's College of California graduates earn $78,812/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,812/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,198 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,812/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,812/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,691 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,981/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,139/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,408/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,746/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,616/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $108,331 | $50,940 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,219 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $61,814 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $57,705 | $41,667 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $54,996 | $23,250 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,562 | $66,300 |
| Education, General. | Master | $52,107 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
69.0% of students at Saint Mary's College of California graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Mary's College of California delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for business majors but weaker performance across other programs. The $31,198 annual net price positions this private college as moderately expensive for the outcomes it produces.
Business Administration graduates earn $108,331 annually, making this program a clear winner despite carrying $50,940 in debt. Liberal Arts majors also perform well at $94,408, though this figure likely reflects a small sample size. Accounting shows inconsistent results with earnings ranging from $61,814 to $68,219, suggesting program quality or student preparation varies significantly.
Your biggest risk at Saint Mary's is the 31% of students who don't graduate within six years. With median debt at $23,691, dropping out creates serious financial consequences without the degree to justify the investment. The 85% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
This school works best for you if you're committed to business studies and can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing. The Bay Area job market rewards Saint Mary's business graduates well, but you'll compete against stronger programs from UC Berkeley and Stanford nearby.
Avoid Saint Mary's if you're considering education, where graduates earn just $69,338 despite similar debt loads. The limited financial aid reach, with only 24% of students receiving assistance, means most families pay close to full price.
You should seriously consider lower-cost alternatives unless you're certain about business coursework and have strong academic preparation. The combination of high costs and moderate graduation rates creates unnecessary financial risk for undecided or academically marginal students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Mary's College of California worth the cost?
With a net price of $31,198 annually and median earnings of $78,812 ten years after graduation, Saint Mary's provides moderate returns. The 87% acceptance rate means less selectivity, but business and management graduates earn over $108,000, making those programs worthwhile investments.
What are the best paying majors at Saint Mary's College of California?
Business Administration and Management graduates earn the highest median salary at $108,331 ten years after graduation. Liberal Arts graduates earn $94,408, while accounting majors see lower returns around $61,000-68,000.
How much debt do Saint Mary's College of California students graduate with?
The median debt load is $23,691, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with only a 69% graduation rate, nearly one-third of students leave without completing their degree.
Does Saint Mary's College of California have good financial aid?
The net price of $31,198 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. Students should compare aid packages carefully, as the moderate earnings outcomes mean debt management is important for financial success.