Students at St.
Mary's University benefit from earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $6,261 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's strength in supporting low-income and first-generation students through to strong career outcomes makes it a proven pathway for economic mobility.
St. Mary's University delivers consistent value as a small private institution that punches above its weight in student outcomes. Located in San Antonio, this Catholic university serves a diverse student body where 42% receive Pell Grants and nearly 39% are first-generation college students, yet still achieves strong graduation rates and earnings that exceed expectations. The university's designation as a 'Mobility Engine' reflects its ability to combine broad access with meaningful upward mobility for students from all backgrounds.
Graduates earn a median of $56,955 ten years after enrollment, with the university delivering about $6,261 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance places St. Mary's in the 53rd percentile nationally for long-term earnings, a solid showing for a small private university. The institution's strength lies in its focused program portfolio, particularly in business and finance fields, combined with the personal attention and support systems that help students from diverse backgrounds succeed.
As a small private university in Texas, St. Mary's offers an intimate learning environment with the financial outcomes typically associated with much larger institutions. The combination of accessible admissions, strong financial aid, and consistent graduate success makes it an attractive option for families seeking a private university experience without the premium pricing or competitive pressure found at many similar institutions.
St. Mary's University's program portfolio reflects a focused approach to career preparation, with particular strength in business and finance fields that consistently deliver strong returns. Banking and Financial Support Services emerges as the standout program, combining solid enrollment of 38 graduates with strong median earnings of $55,512, making it the highest aggregate return major. This program exemplifies the university's ability to connect students with San Antonio's growing financial services sector and provide the practical skills that employers value.
Business Administration and Management represents another reliable pathway, with 28 graduates earning $42,435 in median income, demonstrating the university's strength in preparing students for management and entrepreneurial roles. Psychology, while the largest program with 45 graduates, shows the more moderate earnings typical of the field at $31,133, though many psychology graduates pursue additional education or enter helping professions where financial rewards may develop over longer time horizons.
The university's small scale allows for personalized attention in each program, with faculty able to provide individualized mentorship and career guidance that helps students maximize their potential regardless of their chosen field. This focused approach, combined with strong employer relationships in the San Antonio region, helps explain why St. Mary's graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations across their diverse program mix.
St. Mary's University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $56,955, with the university delivering approximately $6,261 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the university's ability to prepare students for career success across multiple fields, particularly in business and finance where employer relationships and practical training translate into strong early-career positioning.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as the highest aggregate return program, with 38 graduates earning a median of $55,512 and generating substantial total economic value. Business Administration and Management represents another strong pathway, with 28 graduates earning $42,435 in median income. Psychology, while the largest program with 45 graduates, shows more moderate earnings at $31,133, reflecting the field's typical career trajectory that often requires additional education or experience for higher compensation.
What makes St. Mary's particularly effective is how it combines focused program strength with personalized support that helps students maximize their potential. The university's small size allows for closer faculty mentorship and career guidance, which appears to translate into graduates who outperform their expected earnings levels. This earnings advantage, while not placing the university in the top tier nationally, represents meaningful financial value for students who might otherwise struggle to access similar outcomes at larger or more selective institutions.
St. Mary's University maintains relatively consistent and manageable pricing across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of families. Low-income students pay about $19,965 annually, while middle-income families see costs of $19,998, and high-income students pay $23,038. This compressed pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to keeping education affordable regardless of family financial circumstances, with the modest variation between income bands indicating strong financial aid support for those who need it most.
Debt levels remain reasonable for a private university. Typical graduates leave with about $25,563 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $17,161. These amounts, while higher than many public institutions, are manageable given the university's solid earnings outcomes and the personal attention that helps students complete their degrees efficiently. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations after graduation.
The affordability picture is strengthened by the university's strong graduation rates and earnings performance. With nearly 59% of students completing their degrees within six years and graduates earning above-expected levels, families can feel confident that their investment will translate into meaningful career outcomes. The combination of reasonable debt levels, strong completion rates, and solid earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most students and families.
St. Mary's University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
