At $28,552/yr net price, Saint Mary's College graduates earn $59,354/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,354/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,552 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $114,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,354/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,354/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,918/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,610/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,529/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,396/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,026/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 | $59,599 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,537 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $45,715 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,737 | $27,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Bachelor | $32,382 | $26,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,896 | $26,733 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
76.5% of students at Saint Mary's College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Mary's College delivers mixed ROI results with nursing standing out as the clear financial winner while several popular majors struggle to justify their costs. Your $28,552 annual net price creates a manageable debt load of $27,000, but earnings outcomes vary dramatically by program choice.
Nursing graduates earn $59,599 annually, making this program financially sound with debt that represents less than half of first-year income. Business administration offers decent returns at $53,537, though the gap between nursing and business income is significant at this school. Political science, communication, and education majors face tougher financial realities with starting salaries in the $40,000 range that barely exceed your total debt load.
The biggest financial risk at Saint Mary's is choosing the wrong major. Education majors earn just $40,737 while carrying the same $27,000 debt as higher-earning programs. Communication studies presents an even weaker value proposition at $41,342 annually.
You should consider Saint Mary's if you plan to study nursing or business and value the school's 83.6% retention rate and 76.5% graduation rate. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based support, making this school better suited for families who can handle the net price without extensive borrowing.
Skip Saint Mary's if you want to study liberal arts or education unless you have strong family financial support. The school works best for career-focused students who can leverage its stronger professional programs, particularly in healthcare where the regional job market supports nursing graduates well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Mary's College worth the cost?
Saint Mary's College delivers average returns with graduates earning $59,354 after 10 years against a net price of $28,552 annually. The median debt of $27,000 is manageable, but some programs like education and communications show weaker earning potential compared to nursing and business.
What are the best paying majors at Saint Mary's College?
Nursing programs at Saint Mary's College offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $59,599 annually. Business administration follows at $53,537, while education and communications majors earn significantly less at $40,737 and $41,342 respectively.
How much debt do Saint Mary's College graduates have?
Saint Mary's College graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is below the national average. This debt level is generally manageable given the school's 10-year average earnings of $59,354.
Does Saint Mary's College have good financial aid?
Saint Mary's College's net price of $28,552 suggests decent financial aid for a private college, though this still represents a significant investment. The 76.5% graduation rate indicates most students complete their degrees, which helps justify the cost.