Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Danville, VA & Emmitsburg, MD
When students choose between Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland and Averett University in Virginia, they're comparing similar private institutions with a critical difference: earnings versus debt burden.
Both schools serve similar student populations and emphasize business programs, but Mount St. Mary's graduates earn $12,556 more annually while carrying $15,067 more in total debt.
The question becomes whether the earnings premium justifies the payment burden — and for many graduates, the math is concerning.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$25,391
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$28,045
borrowed by parents
$42,721
borrowed by parents
Mount St. Mary's is predominantly business-focused, with 24% of graduates earning degrees in business fields, followed by 13% in social sciences and 6% in education.
Averett has a similar business emphasis at 23%, with 9% in education. Mount St.
Mary's largest programs include Business/Commerce (84 graduates), Biology (32), and Criminology (24). Averett's top programs include Sports and Kinesiology (31 graduates), Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (18), and Accounting (17).
Both schools prepare students for professional careers, though Mount St. Mary's shows stronger outcomes in traditional business fields.
For students prioritizing career earnings potential, Mount St. Mary's delivers $12,556 more in median annual earnings — but at the cost of significantly higher debt burden and family financial stress.
Averett offers a more manageable debt load while serving students who achieve outcomes beyond demographic expectations. The data suggests Mount St.
Mary's for students who can handle the payment burden and are confident about completing their degree, while Averett provides better value for cost-conscious families. Mount St.
Mary's is the earnings winner, but Averett may be the smarter financial choice for students concerned about debt. Both require careful consideration of your family's borrowing capacity and career goals.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
