Doane University vs College of Saint Mary: which has better ROI?
College of Saint Mary has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,360 in 11.1 years versus 21.3 years at Doane University, on median earnings of $54,338 vs $53,316 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Doane University | College of Saint Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $26,364 | $16,590 |
| Total net cost | $105,456 | $66,360 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,316 | $54,338 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 21.3 yrs | 11.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$6,336 | $53,200 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Doane University or College of Saint Mary?
College of Saint Mary, at $16,590 a year after aid versus $26,364 — a gap of $9,774 a year, or $39,096 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Doane University or College of Saint Mary graduates earn more?
College of Saint Mary graduates report a median $54,338 ten years after entry, $1,022 more than the $53,316 at Doane University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Doane University or College of Saint Mary?
College of Saint Mary: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Doane University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at College of Saint Mary, against 57% at Doane University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.