Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,891
76th percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median

Analysis

Saint Mary's College delivers solid business outcomes with manageable debt, though you're not quite getting flagship-level results. That first-year median of $52,891 places graduates above the 75th percentile nationally, and among Indiana's 41 business programs, Saint Mary's ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable, if not elite. The real story emerges in year four, when earnings jump to $74,163, a 40% increase that suggests graduates are climbing into management roles faster than typical business majors.

The debt picture makes this more compelling. At $27,000, graduates owe roughly the national median for business programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51—meaning the first year's salary covers nearly twice the total debt. For an 81% admission rate school, this represents strong value. You're seeing outcomes that rival more selective programs without the crushing debt loads that often accompany private college business degrees.

The caveat: Saint Mary's doesn't crack Indiana's top tier. Grace College and Ball State graduates earn $9,000-$10,000 more right out of the gate. But those schools might require different tradeoffs in selectivity, campus experience, or fit. For families prioritizing a solid return without excessive financial risk, this program delivers—just don't expect standout earnings that justify a premium price tag.

Where Saint Mary's College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Saint Mary's College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Saint Mary's College$52,891$74,163+40%
Purdue University-Main Campus$57,106$71,553+25%
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion$58,880$62,714+7%
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global$58,880$62,714+7%
Indiana University-Indianapolis$53,101$61,260+15%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (41 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Saint Mary's CollegeNotre Dame$51,430$52,891$74,163$27,0000.51
Grace College and Theological SeminaryWinona Lake$30,034$62,251$49,304$20,1040.32
Ball State UniversityMuncie$10,758$60,526$59,631$20,5000.34
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$58,880$62,714$42,1380.72
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion$8,216$58,880$62,714$42,1380.72
Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette$10,110$57,308$52,586$45,1760.79
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Saint Mary's College, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.