At $13,980/yr net price, Villa Maria College graduates earn $38,857/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,857/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,980 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,857/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,857/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,373/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,235/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,325/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,426/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,940/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,856 | $13,264 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $31,581 | |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $22,667 |
The Risk Factor
31.0% of students at Villa Maria College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Villa Maria College delivers poor return on investment across most programs, with graduates earning just $38,857 ten years after enrollment despite accumulating over $21,000 in debt. The numbers reveal a concerning pattern: only 31% of students actually graduate, meaning most who enroll never see any return at all.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services offers the only viable financial path, generating $37,856 in median earnings with relatively modest debt of $13,264. This program benefits from Buffalo's healthcare job market and provides clear career outcomes. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn $31,581, which barely justifies the investment given local creative industry salaries. Graphic Communications shows particularly weak returns at $22,667, making it financially unviable for most students.
The 63% retention rate signals that many students recognize early that this college may not meet their needs. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face significant odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. Buffalo's job market can support healthcare roles but offers limited opportunities for creative fields at wages that justify college costs.
Villa Maria makes financial sense only if you plan to enter healthcare programs and can graduate within four years. The $13,980 net price appears reasonable, but the completion rates suggest many students struggle academically or financially. You should have clear career goals in Allied Health before enrolling. Creative students and those uncertain about their major should consider more affordable community college options or four-year schools with stronger graduation rates and earnings outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Villa Maria College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Villa Maria College's low graduation rate of 31% and median earnings of $38,857 after 10 years make it a risky investment. The $21,250 median debt load is reasonable, but many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Villa Maria College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services offers the strongest return at $37,856 median earnings. Design and Applied Arts ($31,581) and Graphic Communications ($22,667) show weaker financial outcomes relative to typical college costs.
How much debt do Villa Maria College graduates typically have?
Villa Maria College graduates carry a median debt of $21,250, which is below the national average. However, with low graduation rates and modest earnings, even this debt level can be challenging to repay for many students.
Should I attend Villa Maria College if I get financial aid?
Even with the $13,980 net price after aid, Villa Maria College's 31% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs. Only consider it if you're committed to Allied Health programs and confident you'll graduate.