Saint Edward's University
Saint Edward's University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Saint Edward's University at a Glance
St. Edward's University is a private, Catholic university in Austin, Texas, United States. It was founded and is operated in the Holy Cross tradition.
1877
149 years old
$142M
$142.3 million (2024)
3,309
155 acres
Identity
Is Saint Edward's University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Saint Edward's University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,826 — 9% above average — while paying $25,578/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Saint Edward's University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Saint Edward's University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #75 of 158 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 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #75 | Saint Edward's University | 36 | $25,578 | $58,826 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Saint Edward's University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in TX.
Best Programs at Saint Edward's University
The highest-earning program at Saint Edward's University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $49,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $19,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from Saint Edward's University earns $49,500, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $19,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Finance and Financial Management Services graduates carry $23,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,578/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $49,500 | $49,500 | $23,000 |
| Marketing | $39,800 | $39,800 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $39,000 | $39,000 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,800 | $37,800 | $25,253 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $36,700 | $36,700 | $26,500 |
| International Business | $33,300 | $33,300 | $23,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $30,200 | $30,200 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,000 | $30,000 | $23,625 |
| Psychology, General | $29,500 | $29,500 | $23,000 |
| Social Work | $29,500 | $29,500 | $24,365 |
| International/Global Studies | $28,700 | $28,700 | $25,494 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,200 | $28,200 | $30,449 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $27,900 | $27,900 | $23,978 |
| Biology, General | $26,300 | $26,300 | $26,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $24,700 | $24,700 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $21,100 | $21,100 | $22,250 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $19,600 | $19,600 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Austin, TX
- Student Body
- 2,493 students
- Admission Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,578
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,826
- Median Student Debt
- $24,803