University of Mary
University of Mary — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Mary at a Glance
The University of Mary is a private Benedictine university near Bismarck, North Dakota. It was established in 1959 as Mary College.
1959
67 years old
$65M
$65.3 million (2024)
3,973
4,003 undergrad
340 acres
10 residence halls
Identity
Is University of Mary Worth It?
University of Mary offers moderate value at $17,770/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $60,909, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of Mary compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #7 of 147 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 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #7 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Mary's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Mary
The highest-earning program at University of Mary is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $53,500/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of Mary earns $53,500, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $53,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $26,125 in median debt vs. $26,125 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,770/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 | $53,500 | $53,500 | $26,125 |
Similar Colleges in ND
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bismarck, ND
- Student Body
- 2,416 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,770
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,909
- Median Student Debt
- $24,000