Analysis
When comparable education bachelor's programs nationally produce median first-year earnings of $38,660 against an estimated $27,000 in debt, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70—manageable by standard measures, though not exceptional. The estimated debt here aligns closely with the national median for education programs ($26,522), suggesting University of Saint Mary's costs track reasonably with peer institutions. For parents considering a teaching career for their child, these numbers represent the reality of the profession: stable but modest starting salaries across the board.
The challenge with this program is the limited data. With Kansas having only seven education bachelor's programs total and none publishing recent graduate outcomes, it's difficult to assess how University of Saint Mary specifically prepares teachers compared to state alternatives. The school's 37% Pell population and 90% admission rate suggest it serves a broad range of students, but without actual graduate outcomes, you're making decisions based on what similar programs elsewhere typically produce.
Here's what matters: if your child is committed to teaching, the estimated debt burden is within reason for the field, assuming that $27,000 figure holds true. But before committing, contact the school's education department directly for placement rates, teaching certification pass rates, and where recent graduates actually land jobs. Those tangible outcomes matter more than estimated earnings when the career path is this specific.
Where University of Saint Mary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Education bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,890 | $38,660* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $8,886 | $68,730* | — | $26,556* | 0.39 | |
| $12,186 | $60,288* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 | |
| $19,568 | $56,397* | $40,429 | —* | — | |
| $44,850 | $55,579* | $54,660 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 University of Saint Mary, approximately 37% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.