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University of Mary Washington vs Marymount University: which has better ROI?

Public, Fredericksburg VA · vs · Private nonprofit, Arlington VA

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

The verdict

Marymount University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $116,548 in 6.1 years versus 6.7 years at University of Mary Washington, on median earnings of $67,516 vs $60,613 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Mary WashingtonMarymount University
Net price / yr$20,667$29,137
Total net cost$82,668$116,548
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,613$67,516
Median debt$20,500$25,000
Payback6.7 yrs6.1 yrs
20-year net return$162,392$266,572

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

Which is cheaper, University of Mary Washington or Marymount University?

University of Mary Washington, at $20,667 a year after aid versus $29,137 — a gap of $8,470 a year, or $33,880 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 Washington or Marymount University graduates earn more?

Marymount University graduates report a median $67,516 ten years after entry, $6,903 more than the $60,613 at University of Mary Washington. 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 Washington or Marymount University?

University of Mary Washington: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Marymount University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

66% of students finish at University of Mary Washington, against 54% at Marymount 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.

University of Mary Washington vs Marymount University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mary Washington or Marymount University a better value?
Marymount University. It clears its $116,548 net cost in about 6.1 years versus 6.7 years at University of Mary Washington, on median earnings of $67,516 vs $60,613 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary Washington or Marymount University?
University of Mary Washington: $20,667/yr net price after aid versus $29,137/yr at Marymount University — a difference of $8,470 a year, or about $33,880 over four years.
Do University of Mary Washington or Marymount University graduates earn more?
Marymount University graduates earn a median $67,516 ten years after entry, versus $60,613 at University of Mary Washington — a $6,903 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.