Students at Saint Ambrose University achieve earnings that significantly exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $5,500 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong loan repayment performance, places the university among the top quarter of institutions for long-term financial outcomes.
Saint Ambrose University is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Davenport, Iowa, that consistently delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. With median earnings of $59,531 ten years after enrollment, Saint Ambrose graduates earn significantly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, generating an earnings advantage of about $5,493 beyond what would typically be predicted. This performance places the university in the top 25% nationally for overall return on investment.
The university serves a moderately selective student body, with about 28% of students receiving Pell Grants and 28% being first-generation college students. Saint Ambrose falls into the "Selective Achievers" mobility category, meaning it delivers strong outcomes while maintaining reasonable access for students from various backgrounds. The institution's 63% six-year graduation rate reflects solid student support and academic preparation.
As a private university with a focused mission, Saint Ambrose University combines the personal attention of a smaller institution with the career preparation and alumni networks that lead to meaningful long-term financial success. For families seeking a private college experience that translates into strong post-graduation earnings, Saint Ambrose represents a compelling option in the Midwest.
Saint Ambrose University's program portfolio centers on professional preparation in high-demand fields, with particular strength in health sciences and engineering. Adult Health Nursing leads both in enrollment and financial outcomes, graduating 75 students who earn a median of $59,377 ten years out, making it the university's highest aggregate-return program. This reflects both the strong job market for nursing professionals and Saint Ambrose's reputation for clinical preparation.
Engineering programs deliver some of the university's highest individual earnings outcomes. Industrial Engineering, while smaller with 24 graduates, produces median earnings of $63,005, demonstrating the premium that technical fields command in the job market. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the largest single program with 64 graduates, though earnings are more variable at $27,474, reflecting the diverse career paths available in fitness, therapy, and sports management.
The university's focused approach to program development emphasizes fields with clear career pathways and strong employer demand. Rather than offering an exhaustive catalog of majors, Saint Ambrose concentrates on areas where it can provide exceptional preparation and where graduates can expect solid long-term financial returns. This strategy contributes to the university's overall strong earnings performance and helps explain why graduates consistently outperform expectations in the job market.
Saint Ambrose University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $59,531, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for earnings performance. More importantly, Saint Ambrose graduates earn about $5,493 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes through its academic programs and career preparation.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its health sciences and engineering programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-return program and a major enrollment driver, with 75 graduates earning a median of $59,377 ten years out. Industrial Engineering, while smaller with 24 graduates, delivers some of the highest early-career earnings at $63,005. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the largest program by enrollment with 64 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $27,474, reflecting the diverse career paths in that field.
Saint Ambrose's focused program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation in high-demand fields. The university's strength in nursing and engineering creates clear pathways to stable, well-compensated careers, while its comprehensive approach ensures students across programs benefit from strong career services and employer connections that contribute to the institution's above-average earnings performance.
Saint Ambrose University maintains relatively consistent net pricing across income levels, reflecting its private nonprofit structure and commitment to making education accessible. Low-income students pay about $20,300 annually, while middle-income families see similar costs at $20,111 per year. High-income families pay somewhat more at $25,806, but the pricing remains predictable and transparent across the income spectrum.
Debt levels at Saint Ambrose are manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $25,000, which aligns well with the university's median graduate earnings of nearly $60,000 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $26,186, representing families who choose to invest directly in their student's education at this private institution. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Saint Ambrose demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational debt.
The university's affordability story centers on value rather than low sticker price. While costs are typical for a private college, the combination of strong earnings outcomes and manageable debt levels creates a sustainable financial equation for most families. The earnings advantage that Saint Ambrose graduates achieve helps justify the investment and ensures that borrowing remains proportional to long-term financial benefits.
Saint Ambrose University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
