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 gives you a solid financial return if you pick nursing and a shaky one almost everywhere else. The median debt sits below the median 10-year earnings, so the average graduate isn't buried, but that average hides a wide gap between programs.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays the most, carries the lowest debt of any listed program, and lines up with steady hospital demand in the Kansas City metro next door in Leavenworth. If you're headed into nursing, the numbers work.
The other bachelor's programs are where the math turns against you. Psychology graduates earn the least while carrying the most debt on the list, a combination that leaves you paying back roughly what you'll make in half a year. Criminology and teacher education land in similar territory: modest pay against debt loads that outrun those earnings. Picking one of these means the school's price stops matching the outcome.
Two risks are specific to Saint Mary. The 44% graduation rate and 64% retention rate mean roughly a third of students don't return after year one, and if you leave with debt and no degree, none of the earnings figures apply to you. The net price also barely moves with income: families earning under $30k pay about as much as families earning over $110k, so a low income doesn't buy you a meaningfully cheaper year here.
Go to Saint Mary if you're set on nursing and will finish. If you're aiming at psychology, criminology, or teaching, or you're unsure you'll stay through graduation, the flat net price and weak retention make this a costly bet, and a cheaper public option deserves a hard look first.
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.