University of Saint Mary
University of Saint Mary — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Saint Mary at a Glance
The University of Saint Mary (USM) is a private Catholic university in Leavenworth, Kansas, United States. It is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who established it in 1923 as Saint Mary College. Though it was originally a school for women, the school is now coeducational. The mother house of the order is also on the premises. The university offers 26 bachelor's degree programs and six master's degree programs.
1923
103 years old
1,460
1,025 undergrad · 435 grad
Identity
Is University of Saint Mary Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, University of Saint Mary is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,483 — 11% above average — while paying $22,519/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Saint Mary has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Saint Mary compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KS
Ranked #53 of 109 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #53 | University of Saint Mary | 30 | $22,519 | $59,483 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Saint Mary's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in KS.
Best Programs at University of Saint Mary
The highest-earning program at University of Saint Mary is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $60,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $37,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Saint Mary earns $60,000, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $37,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,519/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,000 | $60,000 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,200 | $37,200 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Leavenworth, KS
- Student Body
- 925 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,519
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,483
- Median Student Debt
- $22,018