Students at Mount Saint Mary's University achieve exceptional earnings outcomes that far exceed what similar students earn at comparable institutions, with graduates earning over $34,000 more than expected.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for low-income students, places the university among the top performers nationally for economic mobility and long-term financial success.
Mount Saint Mary's University delivers exceptional value for students seeking strong career outcomes in a supportive, small-college environment. Located in Los Angeles, this private nonprofit institution consistently produces graduates who earn significantly more than expected—ranking in the top 17% nationally for long-term earnings performance. With 55% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 50% being first-generation college students, Mount Saint Mary's opens its doors widely while maintaining strong graduation and earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its focused program portfolio, particularly in nursing and healthcare fields where graduates achieve substantial early-career success. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn a median of $81,662 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the institution's deep connections to Los Angeles's robust healthcare sector. Despite higher net prices typical of private institutions, the long-term return on investment remains compelling, with median graduate earnings of $72,379 placing the school well above national averages.
As a designated "Mobility Engine," Mount Saint Mary's combines broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. The university's small size allows for personalized attention and support systems that help students from diverse backgrounds succeed academically and professionally. For families willing to invest in a private education, Mount Saint Mary's offers a proven track record of transforming access into meaningful economic advancement.
Mount Saint Mary's University's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on career-oriented fields that lead directly to well-paying employment. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, with 204 graduates earning a median of $81,662 and generating the highest aggregate return of any program. This concentration in nursing reflects the university's deep integration with Los Angeles's extensive healthcare sector and its commitment to preparing students for high-demand, recession-resistant careers.
Business Administration, while smaller with 45 graduates, provides a solid foundation for diverse career paths with early earnings around $48,265. The program benefits from the university's location in Los Angeles, offering students access to internships and employment opportunities across multiple industries. Adult Development and Aging, though representing a smaller cohort of 27 graduates, demonstrates the university's commitment to specialized fields that serve growing demographic needs.
The concentrated program mix—heavily weighted toward healthcare and professional fields—helps explain Mount Saint Mary's exceptional earnings beyond expectations performance. Rather than spreading resources across numerous programs, the university has built deep expertise and employer relationships in specific high-value sectors. This focused approach, combined with small class sizes and personalized attention, creates conditions where students can develop specialized skills that translate directly into career success and strong long-term earnings.
Mount Saint Mary's University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $72,379, placing the institution in the top 17% nationally for earnings performance. More impressive is the university's earnings beyond expectations advantage of over $34,000—meaning graduates earn substantially more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings premiums we track among private universities.
The university's return on investment is driven primarily by its concentrated strength in healthcare and nursing programs. Adult Health Nursing, the institution's flagship program with 204 graduates, produces median earnings of $81,662 and represents the highest aggregate return among all majors. Business Administration graduates, while earning more modest early-career salaries around $48,265, still benefit from the university's strong employer connections in the Los Angeles market. The focused program portfolio, emphasizing practical, career-oriented fields, helps explain why Mount Saint Mary's graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations.
With 393 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the university demonstrates its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple sectors. The combination of specialized program strength, personalized attention, and strategic location in Los Angeles creates conditions where graduates can access high-value career opportunities that translate into sustained financial success over time.
Mount Saint Mary's University operates with the pricing structure typical of private nonprofit institutions, requiring families to balance higher upfront costs against strong long-term returns. Low-income students pay approximately $17,327 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $25,413, and higher-income families pay about $36,716. These prices reflect the institution's private status and smaller scale, though financial aid helps reduce the burden for students with the greatest need.
The debt picture requires careful consideration but remains manageable given graduate earning potential. Typical federal student loan debt is $25,949, higher than many public alternatives but reasonable when weighed against median graduate earnings of $72,379. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,313, reflecting family investment in the private education experience. Notably, the institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes the affordability equation work is the university's strong earnings outcomes and loan repayment performance. With graduates earning significantly more than expected and maintaining excellent repayment rates, families can approach the higher costs with confidence that the investment will generate meaningful returns. The combination of targeted financial aid for low-income students and strong post-graduation earning power helps justify the premium pricing structure.
Mount Saint Mary's University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
