St. Mary's University vs University of Dallas: which has better ROI?
University of Dallas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,440 in 9.1 years versus 9.8 years at St. Mary's University, on median earnings of $58,285 vs $56,955 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | St. Mary's University | University of Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,145 | $22,610 |
| Total net cost | $84,580 | $90,440 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,955 | $58,285 |
| Median debt | $25,563 | $23,117 |
| Payback | 9.8 yrs | 9.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $87,320 | $108,060 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, St. Mary's University or University of Dallas?
St. Mary's University, at $21,145 a year after aid versus $22,610 — a gap of $1,465 a year, or $5,860 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do St. Mary's University or University of Dallas graduates earn more?
University of Dallas graduates report a median $58,285 ten years after entry, $1,330 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, St. Mary's University or University of Dallas?
University of Dallas: its completers carry a median $23,117 in federal loans versus $25,563 at St. Mary's University, a difference of $2,446. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
73% of students finish at University of Dallas, 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.