At $18,568/yr net price, University of Mary graduates earn $60,909/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,909/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,568 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,909/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,909/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,673/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,987/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,553/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,714/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,840/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 | $94,408 | $18,923 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $63,997 | $48,604 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,230 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,641 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $54,359 | $25,687 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $23,719 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $24,490 |
The Risk Factor
68.2% of students at University of Mary graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Mary delivers solid returns for career-focused students, particularly in nursing and business, though outcomes vary sharply by program choice. The $18,568 annual net price positions this North Dakota private college as affordable compared to most private institutions, while median earnings of $60,909 after ten years create a reasonable payback timeline.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $94,408 annually while carrying just $18,923 in debt. This combination makes Mary's nursing program one of the strongest ROI options you'll find at any college. Business administration also performs well, producing graduates who earn $54,000-$60,000 with manageable debt loads around $20,500-$25,687.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions present a financial red flag. While graduates earn $63,997, they carry $48,604 in debt, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years. This program requires careful consideration of your long-term earning potential and debt tolerance.
The school works best for students committed to nursing or business careers who value smaller class sizes and personal attention. North Dakota's job market supports these graduates well, particularly in healthcare where demand remains strong. However, if you're exploring liberal arts or considering graduate school, larger universities with more extensive alumni networks might serve your financial interests better.
With only 17.8% of students receiving aid, Mary appears to offer limited need-based assistance. Your best strategy involves applying early for merit scholarships and comparing your total costs carefully against in-state public options, which might offer similar career outcomes at lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Mary worth the cost?
University of Mary offers decent value if you pursue nursing or rehabilitation programs, which lead to strong earnings of $56,000-$94,000. Other programs like business show weaker returns, and the 68% graduation rate means about one in three students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at University of Mary?
Nursing programs at University of Mary lead to the highest earnings, with some graduates earning over $94,000 annually. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions average $64,000, while business graduates typically earn $54,000-$60,000.
How much debt do University of Mary graduates have?
University of Mary graduates carry a median debt of $24,000, which is manageable for nursing majors who earn $56,000-$94,000 but creates tighter budgets for lower-earning programs. The annual net price of $18,568 helps keep total debt relatively low.
Does University of Mary have good job outcomes?
University of Mary graduates earn an average of $60,909 ten years after graduation, which is solid for North Dakota. However, success varies dramatically by major, with nursing and healthcare programs significantly outperforming other fields.