At $33,756/yr net price, St. Andrews University graduates earn $45,606/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,606/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,756 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $135,024 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,606/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,606/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $35,861/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,615/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,578/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,947/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,745/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $26,050 |
The Risk Factor
27.1% of students at St. Andrews University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
St. Andrews University in Laurinburg is a hard financial bet. You pay about $33,756 a year, and ten years after starting, the median graduate earns $45,606. That gap between what you put in and what you get back is the core problem here, and it does not close quickly.
The graduation rate is the biggest risk. Fewer than three in ten students finish, and only about half return after their first year. If you enroll, the odds you leave without a degree are higher than the odds you finish. Leaving with debt and no credential is the worst outcome, and it is a real one at this school.
The one bachelor's program with earnings data, Health and Physical Education/Fitness, is not a bright spot. It pays about $31,133 a year while carrying $26,050 in debt, so graduates of that program earn less than the school's overall median. There is no listed bachelor's program here where the pay clearly justifies the cost.
The net price tiers work backwards from what you'd hope. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay the most, about $35,861 a year, more than families earning over $110,000. Lower-income families get squeezed hardest, which makes the debt risk worse for the people least able to absorb it.
This school is a reasonable financial fit only if you have a specific reason to be here that money doesn't measure, and you can pay without heavy borrowing. If you are choosing based on return, and especially if you are a lower-income family looking at that $35,861 price, look elsewhere. A cheaper public option with a higher graduation rate will almost certainly leave you better off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Andrews University worth the cost for most students?
St. Andrews University has a poor return on investment with graduates earning just $45,606 ten years after enrollment while paying over $33,000 annually. The 27% graduation rate means most students leave with debt but no degree.
What is the job market like for St. Andrews University graduates?
St. Andrews graduates earn below the national average, with the top program (Health and Physical Education) producing median earnings of only $31,133. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
How much student debt do St. Andrews University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $25,250, which is manageable compared to some schools. However, with low graduation rates and modest earning potential, even this amount can be difficult to repay.
Which programs at St. Andrews University offer the best value?
Even the highest-earning program at St. Andrews (Health and Physical Education at $31,133 median salary) provides questionable value given the annual cost of over $33,000. Students should carefully consider more affordable alternatives for similar programs.