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 gives you a modest financial return that depends heavily on what you study. You pay about $21,352 a year and leave with median earnings near $57,000 and roughly $25,500 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, but the payoff is uneven across majors, and the 58.8% graduation rate means a real chance you leave without a degree while still owing money.
Accounting and finance are where the money is. Accounting graduates earn close to the school-wide median, and finance graduates land near $55,500 while carrying about the same debt as everyone else. If you come here for either, the numbers work. Business administration and marketing tell a different story: marketing graduates earn around $37,000, roughly $18,000 less than finance graduates, while business administration grads carry the highest debt on this list at $27,000 for $42,000 in earnings. English lands in a similar low-return spot near $41,000.
The main financial risk here is dropping out. With a 67% retention rate, one in three of you does not return after freshman year, and leaving early with debt and no degree is the worst outcome at this price point.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning under $48,000 actually pay slightly less (around $19,500) than families earning over $75,000, who pay closer to $23,000 to $24,000. If your family income is under $48,000, your cost here is lower than the sticker suggests. Higher-income families get less relief and pay near the full net price.
St. Mary's fits you if you plan to major in accounting or finance and can commit to finishing. If you are set on marketing, business administration, or English, look hard at whether the price justifies the earnings you can expect.
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.