Mount Saint Mary's University publishes a total cost of attendance of $64,637 annually, including $48,132 in tuition, $14,154 for room and board, and $2,434 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $66,726 |
| Tuition and Fees | $49,564 |
| Room and Board | $15,518 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,530 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$45,313 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $21,413 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $23,849 |
| $30–48k | $13,718 |
| $48–75k | $17,876 |
| $75–110k | $30,247 |
| $110k+ | $18,762 |
Mount Saint Mary's University publishes a total cost of attendance of $64,637 annually, including $48,132 in tuition, $14,154 for room and board, and $2,434 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price across all income levels is $25,009, representing $39,628 in financial aid savings compared to the sticker price.
This represents a 61.3% reduction from published costs through institutional and federal aid programs. Net price varies substantially by family income, ranging from $17,327 for families earning under $30,000 to $36,716 for families earning over $110,000. The $19,389 gap between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates progressive aid targeting toward lower-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Mount Saint Mary's graduates carry a median debt of $25,949, with debt levels ranging from $10,500 at the 25th percentile to $30,033 at the 75th percentile. The median debt ranks at the 24th percentile nationally, indicating below-average debt levels compared to all institutions despite being $949 below the peer median of $25,000.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning sufficient income to service educational loans effectively. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,313 with monthly payments of $268, representing additional family financial commitment beyond student borrowing.
The total borrowing picture requires careful family financial planning, as combined student and parent debt creates substantial financial obligations. However, the strong earnings outcomes with median income of $72,379 provide solid foundation for debt service.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Mount Saint Mary's delivers exceptional return on educational investment through strong earnings performance relative to costs. The university generates $34,069 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking among the highest we track nationally at the 98.4th percentile.
Graduates earn $21,967 more annually than peer institution graduates, representing a 43.6% earnings premium that helps offset higher debt and cost levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 indicates sustainable debt levels relative to income, though families should carefully evaluate program-specific outcomes since nursing graduates drive overall earnings performance.
With median debt $949 below peer levels and earnings $21,967 above peer levels, the investment equation strongly favors Mount Saint Mary's despite higher net costs. The combination places the university in the 95th percentile for return on investment, reflecting the strong value creation through exceptional earnings performance.
Mount Saint Mary's serves 55.1% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and exceptional for a private institution. This substantial Pell share connects directly to the progressive net pricing structure, where lower-income families receive the most significant aid reductions.
The $39,628 average financial aid savings represents 61.3% of published costs, demonstrating institutional commitment to affordability through comprehensive aid programs. The gap between $64,637 sticker price and $25,009 average net price indicates Mount Saint Mary's uses high-aid, high-discount pricing strategies common among private institutions seeking to serve diverse economic populations.
Net price positioning $3,197 above peer median reflects the premium associated with the university's specialized health programs and Los Angeles location, though substantial aid availability helps bridge affordability gaps for lower-income families. The financial aid profile supports the university's mission to serve first-generation and Pell-eligible students while maintaining program quality and outcomes.
