Students at the University of Saint Mary achieve earnings that significantly exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $10,300 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong loan repayment outcomes, demonstrates the university's effectiveness in preparing students for financial success.
The University of Saint Mary is a small private nonprofit institution in Leavenworth, Kansas, that delivers above-average financial outcomes for graduates. With median 10-year earnings of $59,483 and graduates earning about $10,292 more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, the university demonstrates strong value despite its modest size. The school's earnings performance places it in the 74th percentile nationally, reflecting its focus on career-oriented programs that translate directly into stable employment.
As a small Catholic university serving fewer than 1,000 students, Saint Mary provides an intimate learning environment where 37% of students are Pell Grant recipients and 36% are first-generation college students. The institution's nursing program stands out as particularly strong, graduating 42 students annually with median earnings of $61,764 ten years after enrollment. This combination of personalized education and practical career preparation helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations.
For families seeking a private college experience with clear professional outcomes, Saint Mary offers the benefits of small class sizes and close mentorship while maintaining financial returns that compete favorably with much larger institutions. The university's focus on healthcare, education, and other service-oriented fields creates pathways to stable, well-compensated careers that serve both graduates and their communities.
The University of Saint Mary's program portfolio reflects its mission-driven focus on preparing students for service-oriented careers that provide both personal fulfillment and financial stability. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the institution's flagship offering, graduating 42 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $61,764. This program represents the highest aggregate return among all majors, combining substantial enrollment with strong earnings outcomes that reflect the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
Psychology serves as the university's largest program with 20 graduates, though early-career earnings of $33,138 reflect the field's typical requirement for additional education or experience to reach higher compensation levels. This pattern is common among liberal arts programs that provide foundational knowledge for graduate study or entry-level positions in counseling, social services, and related fields.
Saint Mary's concentrated program mix allows the university to focus resources on areas where it can provide exceptional preparation and career outcomes. The emphasis on nursing and healthcare reflects both regional workforce needs and the university's Catholic mission of service. As a small institution, Saint Mary can provide intensive clinical training, personalized mentorship, and strong employer relationships that help graduates transition effectively from classroom to career, particularly in fields that value both technical competence and ethical formation.
Graduates of the University of Saint Mary achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for an institution of its size and profile. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $59,483, with the university's graduates earning about $10,292 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This earnings advantage places Saint Mary in the 74th percentile nationally for return on investment, demonstrating that the university's career-focused approach translates into meaningful financial benefits for students.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, which represents the highest aggregate return among all majors. Adult Health Nursing graduates, who make up 42 of the university's total graduates, earn a median of $61,764 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the quality of Saint Mary's nursing preparation. Psychology, the university's largest program with 20 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings at $33,138, typical for a field that often requires additional education or experience for higher compensation.
Saint Mary's focus on professional programs in healthcare and human services creates clear pathways to stable employment in growing fields. The university's small size allows for intensive clinical training, mentorship, and career guidance that helps students transition effectively from classroom to career. With about 200 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution demonstrates that even smaller private colleges can deliver strong financial outcomes when they align their programs with market demand and provide personalized support for student success.
The University of Saint Mary maintains relatively consistent net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying about $24,278 annually, middle-income families paying $22,716, and high-income families paying $24,862. This pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to making private education accessible while maintaining the resources needed for small class sizes and personalized attention. The modest variation in net price across income bands suggests that Saint Mary provides meaningful financial aid to students from all economic backgrounds.
Debt levels at Saint Mary are manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $22,018, which represents a reasonable investment given the median 10-year earnings of $59,483. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,533, reflecting family contributions that help keep student debt at sustainable levels. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations and transitioning into stable employment.
What makes Saint Mary particularly sustainable financially is the combination of moderate debt levels and strong earnings outcomes. With graduates earning nearly $60,000 ten years out and achieving earnings that exceed expectations, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment. The university's loan repayment rate of 68% demonstrates that the majority of borrowers are successfully paying down their balances, supported by the career-focused education and job placement assistance that Saint Mary provides.
University Of Saint Mary Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
