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University of Mary vs University of Jamestown: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Bismarck ND · vs · Private nonprofit, Jamestown ND

The verdict

University of Mary has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,080 in 5.7 years versus 9.5 years at University of Jamestown, on median earnings of $60,909 vs $56,621 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of MaryUniversity of Jamestown
Net price / yr$17,770$19,567
Total net cost$71,080$78,268
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,909$56,621
Median debt$24,000$27,000
Payback5.7 yrs9.5 yrs
20-year net return$179,900$86,952

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

Which is cheaper, University of Mary or University of Jamestown?

University of Mary, at $17,770 a year after aid versus $19,567 — a gap of $1,797 a year, or $7,188 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Mary or University of Jamestown graduates earn more?

University of Mary graduates report a median $60,909 ten years after entry, $4,288 more than the $56,621 at University of Jamestown. 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, University of Mary or University of Jamestown?

University of Mary: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Jamestown, a difference of $3,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at University of Mary, against 49% at University of Jamestown. 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.

University of Mary vs University of Jamestown: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mary or University of Jamestown a better value?
University of Mary. It clears its $71,080 net cost in about 5.7 years versus 9.5 years at University of Jamestown, on median earnings of $60,909 vs $56,621 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary or University of Jamestown?
University of Mary: $17,770/yr net price after aid versus $19,567/yr at University of Jamestown — a difference of $1,797 a year, or about $7,188 over four years.
Do University of Mary or University of Jamestown graduates earn more?
University of Mary graduates earn a median $60,909 ten years after entry, versus $56,621 at University of Jamestown — a $4,288 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.