At $24,275/yr net price, St. Thomas University graduates earn $54,272/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,272/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,275 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,272/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,272/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,125 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,083/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,471/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,944/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,095/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,725/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,124 | $40,196 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Certificate | $53,358 | $157,781 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,358 | $29,273 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,179 | $30,750 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,849 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $42,146 | $166,022 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $17,234 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
43.4% of students at St. Thomas 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. Thomas University delivers weak financial returns that should concern most prospective students. With median post-graduation earnings of $54,272 and a troubling 43% graduation rate, your odds of completing your degree are roughly a coin flip.
Accounting stands out as the strongest financial choice, generating $59,124 in median earnings with manageable debt of $40,196. Business Administration and Educational Administration also provide decent returns around $53,000 annually with reasonable debt loads under $30,000. However, the Legal Professions program saddles graduates with crushing debt of $157,781 for only $53,358 in earnings, creating a financial burden that could take decades to overcome.
The 55% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially, increasing your risk of dropping out with debt but no degree. The low percentage of students receiving aid (25%) suggests limited financial assistance, meaning you'll likely pay close to the full $24,275 annual net price.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing accounting or business and confident you'll graduate. Students interested in law should absolutely look elsewhere given the debt-to-earnings ratio. The combination of high dropout risk, limited financial aid, and modest earnings outcomes makes St. Thomas University a poor investment for most students, particularly those without strong academic preparation or clear career focus in the school's better-performing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Thomas University Miami worth the tuition cost?
St. Thomas University's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $54,272 after 10 years against a net price of $24,275 annually. The 43% graduation rate is concerning and significantly below national averages.
What are the best paying majors at St. Thomas University?
Accounting graduates earn the highest at $59,124 annually, followed by legal studies and business management at around $53,358. Special education pays the lowest among top programs at $48,849.
How much student debt do St. Thomas University graduates have?
The median debt load is $19,125, which is relatively manageable compared to the national average. However, this lower debt partly reflects the high dropout rate of students who leave before accumulating full degree costs.
Does St. Thomas University have good financial aid?
The net price of $24,275 suggests decent financial aid given the private school setting. Still, nearly 6 out of 10 students don't graduate, making the investment risky regardless of aid received.