At $18,762/yr net price, University of St Thomas graduates earn $59,224/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,224/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,762 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,224/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,224/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,928 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,830/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,460/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,635/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,337/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,466/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $68,219 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $22,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $50,257 |
| Education, General. | Master | $56,208 | $33,500 |
The Risk Factor
68.6% of students at University of St Thomas graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of St Thomas gives you a moderate financial return that leans on one program. A median debt of about $20,000 against median earnings near $59,000 ten years out keeps you above water, and the 68.6% graduation rate means most enrolled students finish. That combination is the difference between paying off a loan and defaulting on one.
Nursing is the clear payoff here. It's the only bachelor's program with reported earnings, and at roughly $64,000 it beats the school-wide median by about $5,000. If you come here for nursing, Houston's large hospital system gives you a direct line to jobs that match that number. No other undergraduate program has published earnings, so you cannot assume the same return from a humanities or business degree at this school. Treat any non-nursing major as an unknown financially, and ask the department for its own placement data before committing.
The main risk is concentration. The school's earnings story rests on health care, so if you enroll intending to switch out of nursing, you're stepping off the one path the data confirms pays. Nursing also carries higher debt than the school median, so the extra earnings come with an extra loan.
The net price tiers hold a trap. Families earning under $75,000 pay roughly $16,500 to $17,800 a year, but the price climbs to over $26,000 once household income passes $110,000. If you're a higher-income family, you'll pay nearly $9,000 more per year than a lower-income one for the same degree, so run the full sticker cost before deciding.
This school fits you if you want nursing and plan to work in the Houston area. If you want a different major, look for a school that can show you what that specific degree earns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of St Thomas Houston worth the tuition cost?
University of St Thomas Houston offers decent value with a net price of $18,762 and graduates earning $59,224 after 10 years. The relatively low debt load of $19,928 makes it more affordable than many private schools, though the 68% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the highest paying majors at University of St Thomas Houston?
Teacher education programs lead with $68,219 in earnings, followed by nursing at $63,997 and business administration at $63,005. These programs offer solid returns that justify the investment.
How much student debt do University of St Thomas Houston graduates have?
The median debt is $19,928, which is manageable compared to national averages. With starting salaries around $59,224, most graduates should be able to handle their loan payments.
Does University of St Thomas Houston have good financial aid?
The net price of $18,762 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, with a 96% acceptance rate, the school may not have the endowment resources of more selective institutions.