Mount Mary University Logo

Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, WI | Private Nonprofit | University

Mount Mary University is a private nonprofit university in Milwaukee, WI ranked #605 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 703 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 93.3%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Social Work.

Academically, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 50.0% first-year retention, and 58.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

Families typically invest $18,295, about $1,297 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.8%, roughly 130.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,421. That's about $3,267 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.

B+
Ranking
#605 of 6,272
How We Rank Schools Small campus feel
At a Glance
Ranking
#605 of 6,272 (Top 9.6%)
Tuition
$34,390
Net Price
$18,295
4-Year Tuition
$137,560
Acceptance Rate
93.3%
Transfer Rate
21.0%
Student Population
703
Student-Faculty
10:1
Graduation Rate
58.9%
Retention Rate
50.0%
6-Yr Earnings
$40,421
ROI
-44.8%

Who is Mount Mary University Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#605 of 6,272
Top 9.6% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
69.4 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.47 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B-
#1,093 of 6,272
Affordability
B+
#380 of 6,272
Support
B
#1,002 of 6,272
Career Outcomes
B
#1,008 of 6,272

Mount Mary University graduates 58.9% of students within six years and keeps 50.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$17,470-$20,654 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Likely
58.9% finish within six years. 50.0% complete in four years.
Will you get a job?
Highly likely
90.6% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $40,421. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Mount Mary University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$189,312
$47,328 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$82,328
$18,295 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 50.0% | 6-Year Rate: 58.9%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 50.0% and six-year completion is 58.9%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$47,328
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$18,295
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $34,390
Books and Supplies $1,442
On-Campus Room and Board $10,120
On-Campus Other Expenses $6,834
Total On-Campus Cost $47,328

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
57.7%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 57.7% of Mount Mary University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$17,470
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$17,079
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$18,312
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$20,665
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$20,654
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,470 to $20,654 depending on family income. Use Mount Mary University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$78,615
$30K-$48K families
~$76,856
$48K-$75K families
~$82,404
$75K-$110K families
~$92,992
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,665/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,654/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-44.8%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $40,421
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $40,421
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $19,000
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.5%
  • Employment Rate 90.6%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Mount Mary University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $40,421 six years after enrollment — roughly 7% below the national median.
Payback Period
2.04 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Mount Mary University vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Mount Mary University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Mount Mary University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Mount Mary University graduates earn $40,421 median, the -44.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
93.3%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 16-24
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 703
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 50.0%
  • Graduation Rate 58.9%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1

How to Get Into Mount Mary University

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Mount Mary University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.3%, Mount Mary University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 93.3% acceptance rate, Mount Mary University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Mount Mary University undergraduates. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Psychology, General, and Design and Applied Arts draw the most students.

  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 16.4%
  • Psychology, General 11.9%
  • Design and Applied Arts 10.7%
  • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Op 8.8%
  • Biology, General 6.9%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.7%
See more majors
  • Communication and Media Studies 4.4%
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services 4.4%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $63,232
  • 2. Social Work $45,938
  • 3. Psychology, General $45,062
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $41,920
  • 5. Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations $41,523
  • 6. Design and Applied Arts $36,199

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $90,015
  • 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $79,751
  • 3. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $64,960
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Master's Degree) $58,441
  • 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $53,284
  • 6. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $53,015

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $63,232—75% more than Design and Applied Arts ($36,199). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $90,015 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Mount Mary University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree, 108 graduates)
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 35 graduates)
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
  • Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Psychology, General
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
  • Biology, General
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Social Work
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • History
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Chemistry
  • Philosophy
  • Mathematics
  • International/Global Studies
  • Education, General
  • Interior Architecture
Online Master's Degrees (8 programs)
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Education, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (24 programs)
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  • International/Global Studies
  • History
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Education, General
  • Chemistry
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Biology, General
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Interior Architecture

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 703
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 0.0%
  • Female Students 100.0%
  • Caucasian 31.3%
  • Asian 6.4%
  • Hispanic 34.0%
  • Black 22.3%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 57.7%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Mount Mary University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Mount Mary University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Mount Mary University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
58.3%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
90.0%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
31.7 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Mount Mary University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Mount Mary University has a diverse student body, with 31.3% identifying as White. Women make up 100.0% of undergraduates. 57.7% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Mount Mary University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
58.3%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
90.0%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
31.7 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Mount Mary University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Mount Mary University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -44.8% ROI. Ranked #605 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $18,295 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $40,421 median earnings. With 58.9% graduating within six years and 65.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Mount Mary University's Positioning

With a B+ grade and #605 ranking, Mount Mary University competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $18,295 annually, Mount Mary University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 65.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $12,806 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -44.8% ROI and $40,421 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,295+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Mount Mary University ranks #605 of 6272 institutions, with 878 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 58.9% six-year graduation rate sits 3.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 65.8% first-year retention is 11.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -44.8% return on investment is 130.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $40,421 run about 7% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $18,295 is roughly $1,177 higher than the national median of $17,118.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 65.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 90.6% employment rate within three years sits 22.4 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $18,295 is about $1,177 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Located in Milwaukee, WI, Mount Mary University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It appears at #605 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B+).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Student momentum is strong: 65.8% retention and 58.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -44.8% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $18,295 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $47,328.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $29,033 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 57.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $40,421 at the median. That sits about 7% below the national median.

The three-year employment rate is close to 90.6%.

Plan around an ROI of about -44.8% according to the Scorecard data.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

93.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Mount Mary University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.47 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Mount Mary University stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Mount Mary University Website →

Similar Schools

Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes

Nearby Schools

Other campuses you might consider

Other Wisconsin campuses you might consider

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI
B+ #558 of 6,272
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI
B+ #550 of 6,272
Saint Norbert College
De Pere, WI
B+ #544 of 6,272
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI
B #692 of 6,272

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$25.6M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate21.0%

Data Source & Methodology