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 gives you a solid but uneven financial return. Median earnings ten years out beat what you pay per year, and the $23,691 median debt stays below the $78,812 median salary, so the overall math works. The 85% retention and 69% graduation rate mean most people who start actually finish and start paying down that debt on schedule.
Your major decides a lot here. Accounting graduates out-earn every other listed program by a wide margin, and the Bay Area job market rewards that credential with finance and public accounting firms nearby. General business also clears a reasonable starting wage. English and communication and media studies land near $45,000, and area studies sits lowest at $42,682. If you take on the roughly $23,000 in typical debt for one of those lower-paying degrees, your early repayment years will be tight.
The main risk is the sticker cost against a soft-paying major. Paying $31,198 a year for an area studies or English degree that starts in the low $40,000s is a harder case than the same price for accounting.
The net price tiers help lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $17,000 to $18,000, well below sticker. That jumps to $24,408 in the $48-75k band and keeps climbing, so middle-income families feel the biggest squeeze relative to their income. Over $110,000, you pay close to $40,000 a year with little discount.
This school fits you if you're headed into accounting or business, or if you qualify for the lower-income net price tiers. If you're paying near full price for a humanities major, price out cheaper public options first.
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.