Mary Baldwin University
Mary Baldwin University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mary Baldwin University at a Glance
Mary Baldwin University is a private university in Staunton, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1842 as "Augusta Female Seminary". Mary Baldwin University is home to the Mary Baldwin College for Women, a residential college and women's college with a focus on liberal arts and leadership, as well as co-educational residential college for undergraduate programs within its University College structure. MBU also offers co-educational graduate degrees as well as undergraduate degree and certi…
1842
184 years old
$30M
$30.2 million (2019)
1,761
1,313 undergrad · 227 grad
95
5 acres
Identity
Is Mary Baldwin University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Mary Baldwin University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,427 — 17% below average — while paying $12,756/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,586 representing 60% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Mary Baldwin University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Mary Baldwin University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in VA
Ranked #60 of 337 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Berea College | 100 | $6,106 | $43,150 |
| #2 | College of the Ozarks | 100 | $6,100 | $41,592 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #60 | Mary Baldwin University | 37 | $12,756 | $44,427 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mary Baldwin University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in VA.
Best Programs at Mary Baldwin University
The highest-earning program at Mary Baldwin University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $34,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $31,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Mary Baldwin University earns $34,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $31,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $24,340 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,756/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,900 | $34,900 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $31,200 | $31,200 | $24,340 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Staunton, VA
- Student Body
- 1,090 students
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,756
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,427
- Median Student Debt
- $26,586