Students at Saint Peter's University achieve earnings that far exceed what similar students earn at comparable institutions, reflecting one of the strongest economic advantages among small private colleges.
This earnings premium, combined with exceptional affordability and strong outcomes for first-generation students, makes Saint Peter's a standout choice for upward mobility.
Saint Peter's University ranks as a distinctive small private institution that delivers exceptional value for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, this Catholic university serves as a true "Mobility Engine," combining broad access with strong outcomes that help students achieve meaningful economic advancement. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, and nearly 48% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently earn more than similar students at comparable institutions.
What sets Saint Peter's apart is its ability to generate earnings that far exceed expectations—graduates earn about $16,285 more than predicted based on their backgrounds and the institution's profile. With median 10-year earnings of $57,815, the university demonstrates that small private colleges can deliver substantial return on investment while maintaining an accessible, supportive environment. The university's 63% six-year graduation rate, combined with strong financial aid that keeps net prices around $11,500 for most families, creates a compelling value proposition.
As a small institution with fewer than 3,000 students, Saint Peter's offers the personalized attention and close faculty relationships that help first-generation students navigate college successfully. The university's location in Jersey City provides access to New York City's job market while maintaining a more affordable cost structure than institutions in Manhattan, making it an attractive option for students who want urban opportunities without urban price tags.
Saint Peter's University offers a focused program portfolio that emphasizes professional preparation and career readiness. The university's standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which combines moderate enrollment of 31 graduates with exceptional earnings of $81,886, making it the highest aggregate-return program and demonstrating the university's strength in healthcare education. This program reflects Saint Peter's ability to prepare students for high-demand, well-compensated careers in the New York metropolitan area's robust healthcare sector.
Biology represents the university's largest program with 80 graduates, though early-career earnings of $24,035 reflect the foundational nature of many biology degrees that often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or career transitions. Accounting Technology provides a solid middle ground with 27 graduates earning $57,318, showing the university's effectiveness in business and professional education. Programs like Corrections Administration, while showing more modest earnings of $29,685, serve important public service functions and provide stable career paths.
The university's small size allows for concentrated resources and personalized attention across all programs. Faculty-to-student ratios enable close mentoring relationships that help students navigate career planning and professional networking. This focused approach, combined with the university's location near New York City, helps explain why graduates across programs consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations for students with similar backgrounds.
Saint Peter's University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $57,815, which represents about $16,285 more than similar students at comparable institutions—one of the strongest "earnings beyond expectations" performances among small private colleges. This substantial earnings advantage reflects the university's effectiveness in preparing students for career success and helping them access higher-paying opportunities than their backgrounds might typically predict.
The university's program mix drives much of this strong performance. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, with 31 graduates earning a median of $81,886 ten years out, demonstrating the university's strength in preparing healthcare professionals. Biology represents the largest program by enrollment with 80 graduates, though earnings in this field average $24,035, reflecting the foundational nature of many biology degrees that often lead to graduate school or career pivoting. Accounting Technology graduates earn a solid $57,318, while programs like Corrections Administration show more modest early-career earnings at $29,685.
The university's small size allows for focused attention on career preparation and professional networking, which helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. Saint Peter's location in the New York metropolitan area provides access to diverse employment opportunities, and the university's strong alumni network in business, healthcare, and public service creates pathways for students to access higher-paying positions than might otherwise be available to first-generation college graduates.
Saint Peter's University offers exceptional affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $11,486 per year, while middle-income families see costs of $11,494—both figures representing substantial discounts from the sticker price and ranking well below national averages for private institutions. Even high-income families pay $20,457 annually, which remains competitive for a private college in the New York metropolitan area.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses heavily on making education accessible to working-class and first-generation students. With more than half of students receiving Pell Grants, Saint Peter's demonstrates a genuine commitment to economic diversity while maintaining strong academic standards. The consistent net pricing across low- and middle-income bands shows that the university prioritizes broad access rather than concentrating aid only on the lowest-income students.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $20,500, which aligns well with the university's strong earnings outcomes—graduates earning $57,815 can comfortably handle standard 10-year repayment. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,041, a moderate level that reflects the university's success in keeping total family costs reasonable. The combination of strong financial aid, reasonable debt levels, and above-expected earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most families.
Saint Peter's University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
