Moraga, CA · Private University
Is Saint Mary's College of California Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$78,812
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$56,134
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,134
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$224,536
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.40x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
69.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,691
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,198
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Saint Mary's College of California graduates earn $33,812 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Saint Mary's College of California ranked by graduate earnings
22 graduates
141 graduates
20 graduates
42 graduates
44 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Saint Mary's College of California
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Saint Mary's College of California, the gap between the highest-earning major (Accounting and Related Services: $91,480) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $38,160) is $53,320/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related ServicesBest ROI | $91,480 | 1.6x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $84,175 | 1.5x |
| Political Science and Government | $68,762 | 1.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,054 | 1.1x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $53,489 | 0.9x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $48,862 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, General | $43,939 | 0.8x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest(1yr data) | $38,160 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Saint Mary's College of California delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $78,812 10 years after starting, $33,812 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.1 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.