At $21,352/yr net price, St. Mary's University graduates earn $56,955/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,955/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,352 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,955/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,955/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,563 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,965/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,516/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,998/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,906/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,038/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $59,124 | $52,375 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,931 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $25,389 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $51,458 | $145,002 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,435 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $41,007 | $26,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $24,267 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,526 | |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
58.8% of students at St. Mary's University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
St. Mary's University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in business fields but concerning performance in its law program. Your median 10-year earnings of $56,955 provide decent value against the $21,352 annual net price, though the 58.8% graduation rate means four in ten students never see those returns.
Business majors perform best here. Accounting graduates earn $56,931 annually, while finance majors make $55,512 with manageable debt of $25,389. These programs align well with San Antonio's growing financial services sector and provide clear career paths.
The law program presents major financial risks. Graduates earn just $51,458 despite carrying $145,002 in debt. This represents one of the worst debt-to-income ratios you'll find in legal education. Psychology majors also face steep debt loads of $52,375 for $59,124 in earnings.
St. Mary's works best for students targeting business careers who can complete their degree within four years. The school's San Antonio location provides access to a stable regional job market in finance and accounting. However, you should avoid this school if you're considering law or cannot afford the risk of not graduating.
With only 42% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships may be limited. The 67.5% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many students to transfer, adding hidden costs to your degree timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Mary's University worth the tuition cost?
St. Mary's University graduates earn $56,955 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the $21,352 annual net price. However, the 59% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at St. Mary's University?
Psychology and accounting graduates from St. Mary's University earn the highest salaries at around $59,000 annually. Finance majors also do well at $55,512, while law graduates surprisingly earn less at $51,458.
How much student debt do St. Mary's University graduates have?
St. Mary's University graduates leave with a median debt of $25,563, which is manageable compared to their $57,000 average earnings. The debt-to-income ratio suggests graduates can reasonably pay off loans.
Does St. Mary's University have good job placement after graduation?
St. Mary's University's 86% acceptance rate and 59% graduation rate suggest it's not highly selective, but those who do graduate earn decent salaries. The school works better for students who can finish their degree programs.