At $27,151/yr net price, St Bonaventure University graduates earn $57,214/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,214/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,151 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $108,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,214/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,214/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,813/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,041/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,224/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,913/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,769/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,401 | $26,262 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $24,375 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,962 | $27,000 |
| Journalism. | Master | $47,260 | $27,582 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,673 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $27,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,074 | $41,676 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $39,009 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $24,500 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $25,750 |
The Risk Factor
70.4% of students at St Bonaventure University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St Bonaventure delivers moderate returns that justify its costs for most graduates, though your major choice will significantly impact your financial outcome. The school's $57,214 median earnings after ten years provide a reasonable return on the $27,151 annual net price, especially given the manageable $26,000 median debt load.
Business programs offer your best financial prospects at St Bonaventure, with business administration graduates earning $54,401 and finance majors reaching $52,941. Accounting provides solid middle-ground returns at nearly $50,000. However, education and journalism majors face tougher financial realities, with special education teachers earning $46,673 despite similar debt levels.
Your biggest risk lies in the 70% graduation rate, meaning three out of ten students never complete their degree but may still carry debt. The 81% retention rate suggests first-year struggles contribute to this problem. Students who do graduate typically manage their debt well, but dropping out creates significant financial exposure.
St Bonaventure works best financially if you're pursuing business or entering fields where the school's alumni network in upstate New York provides clear advantages. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit scholarships may be competitive rather than need-based giveaways.
Avoid St Bonaventure if you're considering lower-paying majors without strong personal motivation for the field, or if you're academically marginal and face higher dropout risk. The school's regional focus means graduates often stay in New York's smaller job markets, which may limit earning potential compared to urban alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Bonaventure University worth the cost?
With a net price of $27,151 annually and median earnings of $57,214 ten years after graduation, St Bonaventure offers modest returns. The $26,000 median debt load is manageable, but graduates earn less than the national average for four-year degree holders.
What are the best paying majors at St Bonaventure University?
Business Administration leads with $54,401 in median earnings, followed by Finance at $52,941. However, even the top programs at St Bonaventure produce lower earnings than similar majors at many other schools.
How much debt do St Bonaventure University graduates have?
The median debt is $26,000, which is reasonable compared to many private schools. With the 70% graduation rate, students who complete their degree typically manage this debt load given the school's career support.
Does St Bonaventure University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $27,151 suggests decent financial aid for a private school with a $40,000+ sticker price. However, the relatively low post-graduation earnings mean the financial investment still requires careful consideration.