Students at Stevenson University achieve substantially higher earnings than similar students at other institutions, with graduates earning over $23,000 more than expected ten years after enrollment.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for low-income students, places the university among the top performers nationally for long-term financial returns.
Stevenson University is a private nonprofit institution in Maryland that delivers above-average earnings outcomes for its graduates. With median 10-year earnings of $62,079, graduates earn substantially more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions—an earnings advantage of over $23,000 that places the university in the top quartile nationally for long-term financial returns. This strong performance reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and professional preparation.
The university serves a moderately selective student population, with about 29% receiving Pell Grants and 31% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Stevenson combines solid access with particularly strong outcomes for the students it enrolls. The university's 66% six-year graduation rate and robust earnings performance demonstrate its effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion and into successful careers.
Stevenson's strength lies in its professional programs, particularly nursing, business administration, and accounting, which consistently produce graduates with competitive starting salaries and strong career trajectories. The university's medium size allows for personalized attention while maintaining the resources and employer connections necessary for strong job placement and long-term career success.
Stevenson University's program portfolio centers on career-focused fields that consistently deliver strong employment outcomes and competitive salaries. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and financial returns, with 196 graduates earning a median of $68,163 ten years out, making it the university's primary economic engine. This program's success reflects both the high demand for nursing professionals and Stevenson's strong clinical partnerships and preparation.
Business programs form another cornerstone of the university's offerings. Business Administration and Management enrolls 91 students with median earnings of $42,123, while the more specialized Accounting Technology program produces 30 graduates earning $58,479. These business programs benefit from the university's location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, providing access to diverse employment opportunities in finance, healthcare administration, and professional services.
Even programs with more modest earnings demonstrate Stevenson's commitment to public service careers. Corrections Administration, with 53 graduates earning $35,594, prepares students for important roles in criminal justice and public safety. The university's ability to maintain strong overall earnings outcomes while serving diverse career interests reflects its comprehensive approach to professional preparation and career placement across multiple sectors.
Stevenson University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $62,079, with the university's earnings beyond expectations advantage of over $23,000 representing one of the strongest performance differentials among similar institutions. This substantial earnings premium places Stevenson in the top 25% nationally for long-term return on investment, reflecting the university's effectiveness in preparing students for high-value careers.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its professional programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program with 196 graduates and the highest aggregate return generator, with graduates earning a median of $68,163 ten years out. Business Administration and Management, the second-largest program with 91 graduates, produces median earnings of $42,123, while Accounting Technology graduates achieve $58,479 in median earnings. Even programs with more modest earnings, such as Corrections Administration at $35,594, still contribute meaningfully to the university's overall strong performance.
The university's career-focused curriculum and strong employer relationships help explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. With 681 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Stevenson demonstrates its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple fields, particularly in healthcare, business, and professional services sectors.
Affordability at Stevenson University reflects its private nonprofit status, with net prices that require careful family planning but remain competitive within the private university market. Low-income students pay approximately $18,681 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $27,788 per year, and higher-income families pay about $32,505. These prices position Stevenson in the lower quartile nationally for affordability, meaning families typically pay more than at many public institutions but receive substantial value through strong career preparation and outcomes.
The university's aid structure helps make the investment more manageable for many families. With nearly 29% of students receiving Pell Grants, Stevenson provides meaningful need-based support, though the net prices still require significant family contribution or borrowing. The university's strong earnings outcomes help justify these higher upfront costs, as graduates' median earnings of $62,079 and substantial earnings beyond expectations provide solid return on the educational investment.
What makes Stevenson's pricing sustainable is the strong career preparation and job placement support that leads to reliable post-graduation employment. The university's focus on professional programs in high-demand fields like nursing, business, and accounting helps ensure that graduates can manage their educational investment through stable, well-paying careers that grow over time.
Stevenson University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
