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Saint Edward's University vs St. Mary's University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Austin TX · vs · Private nonprofit, San Antonio TX

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Saint Edward's University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $102,312 in 9.8 years versus 9.8 years at St. Mary's University, on median earnings of $58,826 vs $56,955 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSaint Edward's UniversitySt. Mary's University
Net price / yr$25,578$21,145
Total net cost$102,312$84,580
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,826$56,955
Median debt$24,803$25,563
Payback9.8 yrs9.8 yrs
20-year net return$107,008$87,320

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Saint Edward's University or St. Mary's University?

St. Mary's University, at $21,145 a year after aid versus $25,578 — a gap of $4,433 a year, or $17,732 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Saint Edward's University or St. Mary's University graduates earn more?

Saint Edward's University graduates report a median $58,826 ten years after entry, $1,871 more than the $56,955 at St. Mary's 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, Saint Edward's University or St. Mary's University?

Saint Edward's University: its completers carry a median $24,803 in federal loans versus $25,563 at St. Mary's University, a difference of $760. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

63% of students finish at Saint Edward's University, against 59% at St. Mary's 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.

Saint Edward's University vs St. Mary's University: frequently asked questions

Is Saint Edward's University or St. Mary's University a better value?
Saint Edward's University. It clears its $102,312 net cost in about 9.8 years versus 9.8 years at St. Mary's University, on median earnings of $58,826 vs $56,955 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Saint Edward's University or St. Mary's University?
St. Mary's University: $21,145/yr net price after aid versus $25,578/yr at Saint Edward's University — a difference of $4,433 a year, or about $17,732 over four years.
Do Saint Edward's University or St. Mary's University graduates earn more?
Saint Edward's University graduates earn a median $58,826 ten years after entry, versus $56,955 at St. Mary's University — a $1,871 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.