At $28,150/yr net price, St. John Fisher University graduates earn $66,944/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,944/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,150 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,944/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,944/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,994/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,355/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,255/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,794/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,667/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,562 | $175,497 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,739 | $34,628 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $79,450 | $97,204 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,253 | $25,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,686 | $31,625 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,022 | $22,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,584 | $27,475 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $45,149 | $73,815 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,508 | $66,000 |
The Risk Factor
74.4% of students at St. John Fisher University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St. John Fisher University delivers strong financial returns through its health science programs but shows concerning debt levels in several majors. The $66,944 median earnings after 10 years represent solid performance for a private institution, though your actual return depends heavily on your chosen field.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear financial winner with $115,562 annual earnings, but you'll graduate with $175,497 in debt that requires careful financial planning. Nursing programs offer the best balance of strong earnings and manageable debt, with registered nurses earning $95,739 while carrying just $34,628 in debt. Business administration graduates earn $79,450 but face nearly $100,000 in debt, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio.
The school's location in Rochester provides access to Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester Regional Health, and other major medical employers that directly benefit nursing and pharmacy graduates. This regional advantage explains why health programs significantly outperform the university's overall median earnings.
Your biggest financial risk lies in choosing programs outside the health sciences, where earning potential may not justify the private school price tag. With only 28% of students receiving aid, you'll likely pay close to the full $28,150 annual net price unless you qualify for merit scholarships.
St. John Fisher makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing, pharmacy, or other health fields where the school's clinical partnerships and reputation provide clear career advantages. Students considering liberal arts, education, or other programs should carefully compare costs against in-state public alternatives that offer similar outcomes at lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. John Fisher University worth the cost?
St. John Fisher University's value depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy graduates earn $115,562 within 10 years, making the $28,150 annual cost worthwhile, but the overall graduate median salary of $66,944 provides modest returns for most other programs.
What majors at St. John Fisher University have the best ROI?
Pharmacy and nursing programs at St. John Fisher University offer the strongest returns, with pharmacy graduates earning $115,562 and registered nurses earning up to $95,739 within 10 years. Business and education majors see more modest earnings in the $76,000-79,000 range.
How much debt do St. John Fisher University students typically graduate with?
St. John Fisher University graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable for high-earning pharmacy and nursing majors but may strain graduates in lower-paying fields. The 74% graduation rate means about one in four students don't finish their degree.
Does St. John Fisher University provide good financial aid?
St. John Fisher University's net price of $28,150 after aid is reasonable for a private university, though still expensive for middle-class families. Students should carefully consider program-specific earnings potential before enrolling.