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University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne vs Saint Mary's College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Fort Wayne IN · vs · Private nonprofit, Notre Dame IN

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

The verdict

Saint Mary's College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $101,168 in 9.2 years versus 10.4 years at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne, on median earnings of $59,354 vs $55,362 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Saint Francis-Fort WayneSaint Mary's College
Net price / yr$18,196$25,292
Total net cost$72,784$101,168
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,362$59,354
Median debt$25,976$27,000
Payback10.4 yrs9.2 yrs
20-year net return$67,256$118,712

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

Which is cheaper, University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne or Saint Mary's College?

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne, at $18,196 a year after aid versus $25,292 — a gap of $7,096 a year, or $28,384 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 Saint Francis-Fort Wayne or Saint Mary's College graduates earn more?

Saint Mary's College graduates report a median $59,354 ten years after entry, $3,992 more than the $55,362 at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne. 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 Saint Francis-Fort Wayne or Saint Mary's College?

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne: its completers carry a median $25,976 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Saint Mary's College, a difference of $1,024. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Saint Mary's College, against 55% at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne. 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 Saint Francis-Fort Wayne vs Saint Mary's College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne or Saint Mary's College a better value?
Saint Mary's College. It clears its $101,168 net cost in about 9.2 years versus 10.4 years at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne, on median earnings of $59,354 vs $55,362 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne or Saint Mary's College?
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne: $18,196/yr net price after aid versus $25,292/yr at Saint Mary's College — a difference of $7,096 a year, or about $28,384 over four years.
Do University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne or Saint Mary's College graduates earn more?
Saint Mary's College graduates earn a median $59,354 ten years after entry, versus $55,362 at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne — a $3,992 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.