Students at Saint Edward's University achieve stronger financial outcomes than typical, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who benefit from the institution's supportive environment and career preparation.
The combination of solid earnings growth and zero loan defaults reflects the university's success in preparing graduates for stable, well-paying careers.
Saint Edward's University delivers strong value as a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Austin, Texas. While comprehensive rankings aren't available, the university demonstrates solid performance across key outcomes that matter most to students and families. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants and about 33% are first-generation college students, yet graduates achieve earnings that place the institution well above average nationally.
What distinguishes Saint Edward's is its ability to combine accessibility with meaningful economic outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $58,826 ten years after enrollment, with earnings that exceed expectations by about $1,718 compared with similar students at other institutions. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations and transition into stable careers.
As a private university in Austin, Saint Edward's offers the personal attention and support systems typical of smaller institutions while benefiting from location in one of the country's most dynamic job markets. The combination of strong graduation rates, solid earnings outcomes, and reasonable debt levels makes it an attractive option for students seeking both academic support and long-term financial success.
Saint Edward's University offers a focused program portfolio that balances popular liberal arts fields with professionally-oriented majors that lead to strong career outcomes. Business Administration emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 69 graduates with solid early-career earnings around $46,924, making it the highest aggregate return major. This reflects both student demand and employer recognition of the program's quality in Austin's dynamic business environment.
Accounting represents the university's highest-earning major at $53,358, demonstrating the value of specialized professional preparation in high-demand fields. The program's 33 graduates enter a robust job market where financial expertise commands premium compensation. Psychology, as the largest major with 89 graduates, serves students pursuing diverse career paths including graduate school, social services, and business applications, though early earnings of $29,141 reflect the field's varied trajectory patterns.
Biology majors, while showing modest early earnings at $24,615, often represent pre-professional students planning medical, veterinary, or graduate school paths where long-term earnings potential exceeds initial post-graduation figures. The university's program mix reflects a balanced approach between immediately career-ready fields like business and accounting, and foundational disciplines that prepare students for advanced study and diverse professional opportunities.
Saint Edward's University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that justify the investment in a private education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,826, placing the university above average nationally for earnings performance. Graduates also earn about $1,718 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what might be expected based on student characteristics alone.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across fields of study. Business Administration stands out as both a popular major with 69 graduates and the highest aggregate return program, with graduates earning around $46,924 early in their careers. Accounting majors achieve the strongest individual earnings at $53,358, reflecting strong demand for financial professionals in Austin's growing economy. Psychology represents the largest program with 89 graduates earning about $29,141, while Biology majors see more modest early-career earnings around $24,615, though many likely pursue graduate education that boosts long-term prospects.
The university's location in Austin provides graduates access to diverse career opportunities in technology, finance, healthcare, and government sectors. With over 614 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Saint Edward's demonstrates its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple industries, making it a solid choice for students focused on long-term financial success.
Saint Edward's University offers competitive affordability for a private institution, particularly for lower-income families. Low-income students pay about $18,740 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $22,064 per year. Even high-income families pay $35,487, which represents significant financial aid that brings costs well below the typical private college sticker price.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $24,803, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $24,684. With graduates earning nearly $59,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully transition into careers that support their debt obligations.
What makes Saint Edward's particularly sustainable is the combination of reasonable debt levels and solid earnings growth. The loan repayment trajectory shows that borrowers make steady progress paying down balances, with the institution performing better than many peers in helping students avoid repayment difficulties. For families seeking private college advantages without overwhelming debt burdens, Saint Edward's presents a balanced approach to financing higher education.
Saint Edward's University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
