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 gives you a solid but unspectacular financial return. You pay $27,151 a year net and graduate with median debt of $26,000, which stays below the median 10-year earnings of $57,214. That ratio works, and a 70% graduation rate plus 81% retention means most of you finish and leave with a degree to show for the money.
Finance is the clear winner here. It pays the most of any tracked program and comes with the lowest debt, so you take on less to earn more. Accounting also pays reasonably, though you carry $27,000 in debt for it. The gap widens fast after that. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication grads earn about $17,000 a year less than finance grads while borrowing nearly as much. If you enroll for communication and expect the payoff to match the business school, the numbers say otherwise.
The regional risk is location. Saint Bonaventure sits in rural western New York, far from major finance and accounting employers, so realizing the earnings advantage of those majors likely means moving after graduation. Budget for a job search outside the immediate area.
This school fits you if you commit to finance or accounting and can hold your debt near the program median. It fits you less well if you plan to major in marketing, general business, or communication, where earnings drop below $43,000 and the debt stays the same.
Family income changes the math sharply. Under $30k, you pay $14,813, and the price climbs at each tier until it passes $30,000 above $110k. If your family earns under $48k, the discount is real and the return holds up well. Above $110k, you pay close to sticker, so the business majors are where that price earns itself back.
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.