At $26,806/yr net price, Stevenson University graduates earn $62,079/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,079/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,806 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,079/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,079/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,681/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,022/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,788/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,786/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,505/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,930 | $31,017 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,163 | $26,327 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $66,821 | $37,396 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Master | $60,523 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,479 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $53,537 | $27,000 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $51,273 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $44,040 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $26,000 |
| Legal Support Services. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $25,625 |
The Risk Factor
66.4% of students at Stevenson University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Stevenson University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $26,806 net price sits reasonably for a private institution, but your career earnings will vary dramatically based on program selection.
Nursing stands out as Stevenson's financial winner, with graduates earning $95,930 annually despite carrying $31,017 in debt. Information science also pays well at $66,821, though debt loads climb to $37,396. These programs align well with Baltimore's healthcare and tech job markets, giving you clear pathways to strong salaries.
Other programs present weaker returns. Legal studies graduates earn $60,523 while carrying $41,000 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. Accounting graduates earn $58,479, which barely justifies the private school premium when you could study the same field at lower-cost state schools.
Stevenson's 66.4% graduation rate signals real completion risk. Nearly one-third of students don't finish, meaning you face significant odds of paying private tuition without earning a degree. The 77.8% retention rate shows similar concerns about student satisfaction and academic fit.
You should consider Stevenson if you're committed to nursing or information science and need the smaller class sizes and support systems that private schools provide. The school makes less financial sense if you're undecided on major or interested in fields like business or liberal arts that you can study more affordably elsewhere.
Only 28.94% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial aid for middle-income families. Focus on merit scholarships and consider whether you truly need the private school environment to justify the cost premium over Maryland public universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stevenson University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Stevenson University costs $26,806 annually with graduates earning $62,079 after 10 years, which is below average for a private university. The nursing programs offer better returns at $95,930, but most other majors struggle to justify the price.
What are the best paying majors at Stevenson University?
Nursing programs at Stevenson University lead earnings at $95,930, followed by Information Science at $66,821. Accounting graduates earn $58,479, which barely covers the debt load from this expensive private school.
How much debt do Stevenson University students graduate with?
Stevenson University graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but problematic for lower-earning programs. With only a 66% graduation rate, many students leave with debt and no degree.
Should I attend Stevenson University if I'm not studying nursing?
Most non-nursing programs at Stevenson University offer poor return on investment given the $26,806 annual cost. Consider cheaper state schools unless you're committed to nursing or have significant financial aid.