Students at Mount St.
Mary's University achieve earnings outcomes that place the institution in the top tier nationally, particularly for graduates from low-income backgrounds who see meaningful financial advancement.
The university's small size and personalized approach create an environment where students receive the individual attention and career guidance that translate into solid long-term financial success.
Mount St. Mary's University delivers strong long-term value through a combination of solid earnings outcomes and personalized education in a small college setting. Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, this private Catholic university serves about 2,100 students and maintains the close-knit community feel that many families seek in higher education. With a 58% six-year graduation rate and median earnings of $64,072 ten years after enrollment, Mount St. Mary's demonstrates consistent outcomes for its graduates.
The university's strength lies in its ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers while providing the personal attention and mentorship that larger institutions often cannot match. Business programs are particularly strong, with graduates in fields like accounting earning median salaries above $56,000 early in their careers. The school's Catholic mission and small size create an environment where students receive individualized support throughout their academic journey.
As a selective institution that admits a focused group of students each year, Mount St. Mary's represents a traditional liberal arts education model with practical career preparation. For families seeking a balance between academic rigor, personal development, and solid financial outcomes, the university offers a compelling combination of small-college benefits with real-world career preparation that translates into meaningful long-term earnings.
Mount St. Mary's University's program portfolio reflects a focused approach to career preparation, with particular strength in business and professional fields that lead directly to stable employment. Business programs dominate both enrollment and economic impact, with 84 graduates generating the highest aggregate return of any major. These students benefit from the university's emphasis on practical skills and industry connections, earning median salaries of $45,249 that provide a solid foundation for career growth.
Accounting stands out as the highest-earning program, with graduates earning median salaries of $56,157 early in their careers. This reflects both the strong demand for accounting professionals and the university's ability to prepare students for immediate entry into well-paying positions. The program's success demonstrates how Mount St. Mary's combines academic rigor with practical career preparation.
Biology, while showing lower early earnings at $21,052, serves an important role for students planning graduate school or careers in healthcare and research. The university's small size allows biology students to work closely with faculty on research projects and receive personalized guidance for graduate school applications or career transitions. This individualized attention helps explain why Mount St. Mary's maintains strong overall outcomes even in fields where early earnings may be more modest but long-term potential remains strong.
Mount St. Mary's University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $64,072 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution above average nationally for earnings performance. This represents strong growth from the $48,915 median at six years, showing that graduates see meaningful salary progression as their careers develop. The university's focus on practical career preparation and strong alumni networks contributes to these positive earnings trajectories.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's business and accounting programs. Business graduates, representing the largest program by total economic impact with 84 graduates, earn median salaries of $45,249 early in their careers. Accounting graduates see even stronger outcomes, with median earnings of $56,157, making it one of the highest-earning programs at the institution. These professional programs benefit from the university's emphasis on practical skills and industry connections.
Biology, while popular with 32 graduates, shows more modest early earnings at $21,052, reflecting the field's typical pattern where many graduates pursue additional education or enter fields with longer career development timelines. The university's small size allows for personalized career guidance and mentorship that helps students across all majors navigate their post-graduation paths effectively, contributing to the overall positive earnings outcomes that place Mount St. Mary's in the top tier for return on investment.
Mount St. Mary's University operates as a higher-cost private institution, with net prices that reflect its small size and personalized educational model. Low-income families pay approximately $14,674 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $24,088, and higher-income families pay about $31,050. These prices are typical for small private colleges that offer extensive student services and low student-to-faculty ratios.
The university provides substantial financial aid to make education accessible, particularly for lower-income students who receive significant grant assistance to bring their net costs down considerably from the sticker price. The aid structure reflects the institution's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining the resources needed for small class sizes and personalized attention.
Debt levels require careful consideration, as typical graduates carry about $25,391 in federal student loans, with many families also utilizing Parent PLUS loans averaging $29,733. However, the university's strong graduation rates and solid earnings outcomes help ensure that most borrowers can manage their debt obligations effectively. The combination of higher upfront costs with reliable long-term earnings makes Mount St. Mary's a viable option for families who prioritize the benefits of a small, private education and can handle the associated financial commitment.
Mount St. Mary's University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
