At $23,335/yr net price, University of Saint Mary graduates earn $59,483/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,483/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,335 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,483/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,483/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,018 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,278/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,319/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,716/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,862/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | $34,703 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,101 | $128,629 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,764 | $20,913 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $53,984 | |
| Marketing. | Master | $50,439 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,896 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $40,281 | $25,474 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,138 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.1% of students at University of Saint Mary 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
University of Saint Mary delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The school's 44% graduation rate means over half of students never finish their degrees, while those who do graduate earn a modest $59,483 after ten years.
Business Administration offers the strongest ROI with $69,338 in median earnings, though you'll carry $34,703 in debt to get there. Nursing graduates earn $61,764 with manageable debt of $20,913, making it your best bet for solid returns. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions pays well at $68,101 but saddles you with crushing debt of $128,629 that will take decades to repay.
Special Education and Marketing graduates face disappointing outcomes, earning in the low-to-mid $50,000s despite paying the same tuition as higher-earning majors. The low 64% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that derail many students before graduation.
Your biggest risk at Saint Mary is the graduation rate. Nearly six in ten students who start here never finish, meaning they face loan payments without the degree needed to repay them. The school's Kansas location limits high-paying job opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas.
Saint Mary works financially if you're pursuing nursing or business administration and can handle the academic demands. The relatively low median debt of $22,018 helps, but only if you actually graduate. Avoid this school if you're considering special education, marketing, or any program not listed among the top earners. You'll find better financial outcomes at state universities or schools with stronger graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Saint Mary worth the cost?
University of Saint Mary's median earnings of $59,483 ten years after graduation barely justify the $23,335 annual net price, especially with a concerning 44% graduation rate. The school works best for students pursuing business or healthcare programs, which show stronger earning potential.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Saint Mary?
Business Administration leads at $69,338 median earnings, followed by Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at $68,101. Nursing graduates earn $61,764, while education and marketing majors see significantly lower returns at $53,984 and $50,439 respectively.
How much debt do University of Saint Mary graduates have?
The median debt load is $22,018, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with less than half of students actually graduating, many borrowers may struggle to complete their degrees and repay loans.
Does University of Saint Mary have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 44% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs, which raises concerns about academic support and student success. Those who do graduate in business and healthcare fields see decent earning potential, but overall outcomes are mixed.