Mount Mary University serves as an important access point for students who might not otherwise attend college, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking a supportive private college environment.
While earnings outcomes are modest, the university does help students achieve slightly better financial results than similar institutions, though families should plan carefully for debt management given the earnings trajectory.
Mount Mary University is a small private nonprofit institution in Milwaukee that serves a distinctive student population with strong access but faces challenges in long-term earnings outcomes. Nearly 58% of students receive Pell Grants and about 39% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. The institution maintains a 59% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for its student profile.
However, Mount Mary falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility quadrant, meaning it provides good access but struggles with earnings outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $48,745 ten years after enrollment, which places the university in the 39th percentile nationally for earnings performance. While the institution does generate some earnings beyond expectations—about $5,819 more than similar students at comparable institutions—this advantage is relatively modest.
As a small private college, Mount Mary offers the intimate learning environment and personalized support that many students value, particularly those who may not thrive in larger institutional settings. The university's strength lies in its accessibility and supportive community rather than in maximizing long-term financial returns, making it a good fit for students who prioritize the college experience and personal development alongside career preparation.
Mount Mary University operates as a small private institution focused on providing personalized education rather than maximizing program-level earnings outcomes. The university's approach emphasizes close faculty-student relationships and supportive learning environments across its academic offerings. While specific program-level earnings data is limited, the institution's overall outcomes suggest a focus on fields that prioritize service and community impact over maximum salary potential.
As a small college, Mount Mary likely concentrates its resources on a focused set of programs rather than offering the broad array of majors available at larger universities. This approach allows for more personalized attention and smaller class sizes, which can be particularly valuable for students who learn best in intimate academic settings. The university's mission appears to center on preparing students for meaningful careers in education, healthcare, social services, and other fields where graduates can make a positive difference in their communities.
Students considering Mount Mary should evaluate programs based on their personal interests and career goals rather than purely financial outcomes. The university's strength lies in providing a supportive environment where students can develop both academically and personally, preparing them for careers that align with their values and interests even if those careers may not offer the highest possible salaries.
Mount Mary University graduates see modest long-term earnings that reflect both the institution's mission and the career paths its programs typically lead toward. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $48,745, which places the university in the lower portion of the national earnings distribution. While graduates do earn about $5,819 more than similar students at comparable institutions, this earnings advantage is relatively small compared to what students might see at larger research universities or more career-focused institutions.
The university's earnings outcomes reflect its focus on fields that often prioritize service and community impact over maximum salary potential. As a small institution, Mount Mary may have fewer programs in high-earning fields like engineering, computer science, or business, instead concentrating on areas such as education, social work, healthcare, and liberal arts. These fields provide meaningful career paths and stable employment, but typically offer more moderate earnings trajectories.
For students considering Mount Mary, the financial return should be weighed against other factors like small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and a supportive campus community. The university's strength lies in preparing students for careers where they can make a difference rather than maximizing earning potential, which aligns with the values and goals of many students who choose small private colleges.
Mount Mary University offers relatively consistent and predictable pricing across income levels, which helps families plan for college costs. Low-income students pay about $17,470 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $18,312, and higher-income families pay approximately $20,654. This relatively narrow range suggests that the university provides meaningful financial aid to students across the income spectrum, though the net prices remain substantial for a private institution.
Debt levels at Mount Mary require careful consideration given the university's earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $25,288 in federal student loan debt, and families often take on an additional $17,000 in Parent PLUS loans. While these amounts are not unusually high for private colleges, they represent a significant financial commitment when considered alongside the university's more modest earnings outcomes. The combination of substantial debt and moderate post-graduation earnings means that students and families need to think carefully about the long-term financial implications of their investment in a Mount Mary education.
Mount Mary University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
