At $20,701/yr net price, Thomas More University graduates earn $59,384/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,384/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,701 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,384/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,384/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,236 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,407/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,773/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,388/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,643/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,299/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,456 | $25,320 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $23,889 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,270 | $31,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $45,500 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $37,568 |
The Risk Factor
40.1% of students at Thomas More 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
Thomas More University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $59,384 against a net price of $20,701 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what stronger regional alternatives offer.
Business Administration stands out as the clear winner among programs, with top earners reaching $70,456 annually while carrying manageable debt loads of $25,320. The nursing program offers solid middle-ground returns at $55,964, though you'll still graduate with substantial debt. Education majors face the harshest reality, earning just $37,568 while carrying similar debt burdens as higher-earning peers.
The 40% graduation rate signals serious retention problems that amplify your financial risk. Nearly six in ten students leave without degrees, making those who do graduate carry the full cost burden of their education. The low 67% first-year retention rate suggests many students quickly discover the school doesn't meet their needs.
You should consider Thomas More only if you're targeting business programs and have strong academic credentials that position you for merit aid. The school's low percentage of students receiving aid (22%) suggests limited financial assistance, making full-pay attendance particularly dangerous for middle-income families.
Look elsewhere if you're considering education, criminal justice, or most liberal arts programs. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and modest career outcomes creates a perfect storm of financial risk that few students can weather successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas More University worth the cost?
Thomas More University's value depends heavily on your major. Business graduates earn around $70,000 annually, making the $26,236 median debt manageable, but education majors start around $37,568 with the same debt burden.
What is the ROI for Thomas More University graduates?
Thomas More graduates earn a median of $59,384 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable given the $20,701 annual net price. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees, making debt without a degree a real risk.
Which Thomas More University programs have the best job prospects?
Business administration and nursing offer the strongest returns at Thomas More, with business grads earning up to $70,456 and nurses around $55,964. Criminal justice and education majors face lower starting salaries relative to their debt.
How much student debt do Thomas More University graduates typically have?
Thomas More graduates carry a median debt of $26,236, which is manageable for higher-earning majors like business but potentially problematic for education graduates starting around $37,568. The low graduation rate increases the risk of debt without a degree.