Students at the University of Mary achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top quartile nationally for graduate earnings.
The university's exceptional loan repayment performance—with 0% default rates and faster debt paydown than 95% of institutions—demonstrates graduates' financial stability and career readiness.
The University of Mary is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Bismarck, North Dakota, that combines the personal attention of a smaller college with solid long-term financial outcomes. While the university serves a more selective student population—with about 18% of students receiving Pell Grants and a similar share being first-generation college students—it delivers strong earnings results that place it in the top quartile nationally for graduate financial success.
What distinguishes the University of Mary is its focus on professional programs, particularly nursing and business, that lead directly into stable, well-paying careers. Graduates earn a median of $60,909 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the institution's emphasis on career-oriented education. The university's 68% six-year graduation rate demonstrates solid academic support, while its exceptional loan repayment performance—with 0% federal loan default rate and borrowers paying down balances faster than 95% of institutions nationally—indicates that graduates are well-prepared to manage their financial obligations.
As a private institution in North Dakota, the University of Mary offers a distinctive combination of professional focus, regional connections, and financial sustainability that appeals to students seeking clear pathways to career success in a supportive, values-based environment.
The University of Mary's program portfolio reflects its mission as a professionally-focused institution that prepares students for stable, well-paying careers in essential fields. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and economic impact, with 94 graduates earning a median of $56,641 ten years out, making it the university's flagship program and a key driver of overall institutional success. This nursing program's scale and outcomes reflect North Dakota's strong healthcare job market and the university's established reputation in health professions education.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's second-largest program, with 58 graduates earning $54,359 in median ten-year earnings. This solid performance reflects the program's alignment with North Dakota's growing business sector and the university's emphasis on practical, career-oriented education. Adult and Continuing Education, while smaller with 34 graduates, demonstrates the university's commitment to serving working professionals and career-changers, though with more moderate earnings of $38,289 reflecting the field's typical compensation patterns.
The concentration in nursing and business—two fields with strong regional job markets and clear career pathways—helps explain the University of Mary's exceptional loan repayment performance and overall graduate financial success. As a focused institution graduating manageable cohorts each year, the university maintains strong employer relationships and provides personalized career support that translates into reliable job placement and long-term career advancement for graduates.
Graduates of the University of Mary achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $60,909 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university in the top quartile nationally for graduate earnings, reflecting the institution's focus on career-oriented programs that lead directly into stable employment. The university's strong loan repayment performance—with borrowers paying down balances faster than 95% of institutions nationwide and maintaining a 0% federal loan default rate—demonstrates that graduates are well-positioned to manage their financial obligations while building wealth over time.
The university's program portfolio centers on professional fields that drive strong economic outcomes. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program by total economic impact and a consistent earnings performer, with 94 graduates earning a median of $56,641 ten years out. Business Administration and Management represents the second-largest program footprint with 58 graduates earning $54,359, providing a solid foundation for careers in North Dakota's growing business sector. Adult and Continuing Education, while smaller with 34 graduates, demonstrates the university's commitment to serving working professionals seeking career advancement.
The University of Mary's regional positioning in North Dakota provides graduates with access to a stable job market where cost of living remains moderate, allowing earnings to stretch further than in many other regions. The combination of professional program focus, strong employer relationships, and graduates' exceptional debt management creates a reliable pathway to financial stability for students who complete their degrees.
The University of Mary maintains relatively consistent net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying about $14,673 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of $14,553—both figures reflecting substantial institutional aid that brings costs well below the full sticker price. Even high-income families pay $20,840 per year, a moderate level for a private nonprofit institution that provides the personalized attention and specialized programs typical of smaller colleges.
The university's debt structure reflects its commitment to keeping borrowing manageable for students and families. Typical graduates leave with $24,000 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $11,509—both reasonable levels given the institution's strong graduate earnings and exceptional repayment performance. The university's 0% federal loan default rate and borrowers' ability to pay down balances faster than 95% of institutions nationally indicate that the debt students do take on remains sustainable relative to their post-graduation earning power.
What makes the University of Mary particularly affordable in practice is how well graduates manage their financial obligations after college. The combination of solid earnings, moderate debt levels, and the university's track record of preparing students for stable employment creates a financial equation that works for most families, especially those who value the benefits of a private, faith-based educational environment.
University Of Mary Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
