At $18,362/yr net price, St. Mary's College of Maryland graduates earn $60,110/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,110/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,362 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,448 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,110/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,110/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,618/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,370/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,955/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,010/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,256/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,124 | $19,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $22,000 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $39,648 | $22,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $21,375 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $31,839 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $25,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $31,038 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,322 | $20,065 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $20,714 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
68.0% of students at St. Mary's College of Maryland graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St. Mary's College of Maryland delivers solid financial returns for a public liberal arts college, with median 10-year earnings of $60,110 against a relatively affordable net price of $18,362 annually.
Computer science stands out as the clear winner financially, producing graduates earning $59,124 with below-average debt loads of $19,500. Economics majors also perform well at $41,565, though they carry slightly higher debt. However, humanities majors face tougher prospects. English graduates earn just $33,281 while carrying $21,375 in debt, and sociology majors earn even less at $31,839.
The school's biggest financial risk is its 68% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access better-paying jobs. The 81% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic demands or find the rural Maryland location isolating.
St. Mary's works best financially if you're pursuing computer science or economics and can handle the small-college environment. The low percentage of students receiving aid (20%) suggests limited need-based support, but it also means the sticker price is closer to what most families actually pay.
Avoid St. Mary's if you're considering humanities majors and need strong earning potential immediately after graduation. The rural location limits internship opportunities compared to urban campuses, which particularly hurts liberal arts majors who need work experience to compete for jobs. You're better served by in-state flagship universities or community college transfer pathways if maximizing earnings relative to debt is your primary concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Mary's College of Maryland worth the cost for the salary outcomes?
St. Mary's College graduates earn a median of $60,110 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable but not exceptional for a school costing $18,362 annually. The return on investment is solid but varies significantly by major, with computer science graduates earning $59,124 while English and sociology majors start around $31,000-$33,000.
What are the best paying majors at St. Mary's College of Maryland?
Computer science leads with $59,124 in median earnings, followed by economics at $41,565. Liberal arts majors like English ($33,281) and sociology ($31,839) show much lower returns, making major choice critical for financial outcomes at this school.
How much debt do St. Mary's College of Maryland graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with a 68% graduation rate, about one-third of students don't finish their degree, potentially facing debt without the credential.
Is St. Mary's College of Maryland a good value compared to other Maryland schools?
At $18,362 net price, St. Mary's College offers moderate value as a public liberal arts college. The 77% acceptance rate means it's accessible, but the 68% graduation rate suggests academic rigor or support issues that prospective students should consider carefully.