Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Our Lady of the Lake University at a Glance
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), known locally as the Lake, is a private Catholic university in San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, a religious institute originating in Lorraine, France, during the 18th century. The Texas chapter of the institute still sponsors the university. Our Lady of the Lake University was the first San Antonio institution of higher education to receive regional accreditation and its Worden School of Social …
1895
131 years old
$30M
$30.1 million
2,096
1,147 undergrad · 949 grad
72 acres
Identity
Is Our Lady of the Lake University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Our Lady of the Lake University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,675 — 10% below average — while paying $16,442/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 44% 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 $24,999 representing 51% 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 Our Lady of the Lake University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Our Lady of the Lake University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #150 of 403 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #4 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #5 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #6 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #150 | Our Lady of the Lake University | 33 | $16,442 | $48,675 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Our Lady of the Lake University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 15 in TX.
Best Programs at Our Lady of the Lake University
The highest-earning program at Our Lady of the Lake University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $35,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $23,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Our Lady of the Lake University earns $35,500, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $23,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $25,543 in median debt vs. $25,750 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,442/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 | $35,500 | $35,500 | $25,543 |
| Social Work | $34,100 | $34,100 | $28,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,600 | $28,600 | $25,125 |
| Psychology, General | $28,500 | $28,500 | $25,379 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $26,000 | $26,000 | $24,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,800 | $23,800 | $25,750 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Antonio, TX
- Student Body
- 1,066 students
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,442
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,675
- Median Student Debt
- $24,999