Mary Baldwin University provides meaningful access to private higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants and strong financial aid packages.
While earnings outcomes are modest, graduates achieve slightly higher earnings than expected and benefit from the personalized attention that defines small college education.
Mary Baldwin University is a small private nonprofit institution in Staunton, Virginia, that serves a diverse student body with nearly half receiving Pell Grants and 40% being first-generation college students. While the university doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for earnings outcomes, it provides meaningful access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting its strong commitment to serving low-income students despite facing resource constraints that affect long-term outcomes.
Graduates earn a median of $44,427 ten years after enrollment, which places the university in the lower quartile nationally for earnings performance. However, Mary Baldwin does provide some earnings advantage beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $2,067 more than similar students at comparable institutions. The university's strength lies in its accessibility and supportive environment rather than maximum financial returns.
As a small private college, Mary Baldwin offers the intimate campus experience and personalized attention that many students value. For families seeking an affordable private education with strong financial aid, the university provides net prices that are often competitive with public options, especially for low- and middle-income students who benefit from substantial grant aid.
Mary Baldwin University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving diverse student interests while maintaining small, personalized learning environments. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, enrolling 42 students who earn median salaries of $35,274 ten years after graduation. This combination of scale and outcomes makes business the university's economic anchor, providing stable career preparation for students interested in management, entrepreneurship, and corporate roles.
General Studies, with 36 graduates, serves students seeking flexible degree options or those transferring from other institutions. While earnings average $30,409, this program provides valuable educational foundation for students who may pursue additional credentials or enter diverse career paths. Forensic Social Work represents the university's specialized offerings, graduating 22 students into a niche field with median earnings of $26,715.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than research or highly specialized fields. This approach aligns with the needs of first-generation and Pell-eligible students who often seek clear pathways to stable employment. While earnings may not match those of larger research universities, Mary Baldwin's programs provide solid preparation for careers in business, social services, and other fields where personal relationships and practical skills drive success.
Mary Baldwin University graduates achieve modest but stable long-term earnings outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $44,427, placing the institution in the lower quartile nationally for earnings performance. However, graduates do earn about $2,067 more than similar students at comparable institutions, showing the university provides some earnings advantage beyond expectations. This modest premium reflects the value of the personalized education and professional networks that smaller institutions can provide.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest high-return program with 42 graduates, produces median earnings of $35,274 ten years out. General Studies, which enrolls 36 students, leads to earnings around $30,409, while Forensic Social Work graduates earn approximately $26,715. These figures represent early-to-mid career earnings that typically grow over time, especially for graduates who pursue additional credentials or advance within their chosen fields.
The university's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving diverse student interests and career goals. While earnings may not match those of larger research universities or highly selective institutions, Mary Baldwin's graduates enter stable career paths in business, social services, and other fields where personal relationships and practical skills matter as much as starting salary. The smaller scale allows for more individualized career guidance and professional mentorship that can pay dividends throughout a graduate's career.
Mary Baldwin University demonstrates strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families seeking private college access. Low-income students pay a net price of about $15,996 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $16,899 per year—both figures representing substantial discounts from the sticker price through generous financial aid packages. Even higher-income families pay $23,106 annually, which remains competitive with many private institutions and reflects the university's commitment to broad accessibility.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses on making private education attainable for students who might otherwise attend community colleges or forego higher education entirely. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants, Mary Baldwin successfully attracts and supports low-income students through a combination of federal aid, institutional grants, and work-study opportunities. This approach creates genuine affordability for families across the income spectrum.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the institution's mission and student population. Most graduates leave with federal student loan debt averaging $26,586, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $13,072. These amounts, while significant, reflect the reality of financing a private education and remain within reasonable bounds given the university's focus on serving first-generation and lower-income students who often have limited family resources for college expenses.
Mary Baldwin University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
