Business/Commerce at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Looking at business associate's degrees in Indiana, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods sits in a challenging middle ground. Estimates from similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $44,800—right at the state median but well above the national benchmark of $36,600. However, that comes with an estimated $24,500 in debt, nearly double what business associate's degree graduates typically carry nationally ($13,400). With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, a graduate would need to dedicate roughly half their first year's salary to clear this debt under standard repayment.

The comparison to other Indiana options is instructive. Indiana Wesleyan's business programs show stronger estimated earnings ($49,500), while Vincennes and Purdue Global sit below Saint Mary-of-the-Woods—but likely with different debt profiles. For a school serving 51% Pell-eligible students, that $24,500 debt load matters enormously. An associate's degree is supposed to be the lower-cost pathway into the workforce, and this one doubles down on borrowed money in ways that strain its value.

Before committing, ask the school directly about actual placement rates and starting salaries for their recent business graduates—data they should have even if the DOE can't publish it. If those numbers don't meaningfully exceed the state median, or if the actual debt burden approaches these estimates, this program becomes harder to justify when cheaper associate's options exist across Indiana.