Saint Augustine's University
Saint Augustine's University is a private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC ranked #1693 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 766 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 58.7%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 558.7% first-year retention, and 33.2% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $17,740, about $742 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -62.0%, roughly 147.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $26,999. That's about $16,689 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Saint Augustine's University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Saint Augustine's University graduates 33.2% of students within six years and keeps 53.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Saint Augustine's University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
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 | $16,896 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,376 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,505 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $30,324 |
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
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 52.4% of Saint Augustine's 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.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,346 to $20,861 depending on family income. Use Saint Augustine's University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,317/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,861/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $26,999
- 10-Year Median Earnings $26,999
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 26.3%
- Employment Rate 85.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Saint Augustine's 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.
Saint Augustine's University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Saint Augustine's University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Saint Augustine's University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Saint Augustine's University graduates earn $26,999 median, the -62.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 766
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 53.5%
- Graduation Rate 33.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Saint Augustine's University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Saint Augustine's 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 58.7%, Saint Augustine's 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 58.7% acceptance rate, Saint Augustine's 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 Saint Augustine's University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Health and Physical Education/Fitness draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 16.8%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 14.2%
- Biology, General 8.0%
- Sociology 8.0%
- Psychology, General 7.1%
See more majors
- Public Health 5.3%
- Communication and Media Studies 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 $43,959
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $43,191
- 3. Sociology $41,953
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $40,084
- 5. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $38,634
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $37,602
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $43,959—17% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($37,602). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Saint Augustine's 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 9 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 (22 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Public Health
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Engineering, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 766
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.0%
- Female Students 49.0%
- Caucasian 1.7%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 3.0%
- Black 84.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 52.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Saint Augustine's University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Saint Augustine's University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Augustine's University support students from different economic backgrounds?
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 Saint Augustine's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Saint Augustine's University has a diverse student body, with 1.7% identifying as White. 52.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Augustine's University support students from different economic backgrounds?
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 Saint Augustine's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Saint Augustine's University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -62.0% ROI. Ranked #1693 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $17,740 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $26,999 median earnings. With 33.2% graduating within six years and 53.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Saint Augustine's University's Positioning
With a C grade and #1693 ranking, Saint Augustine's University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $17,740 annually, Saint Augustine's University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 53.5% 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 $12,418 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -62.0% ROI and $26,999 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $7,740+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Saint Augustine's University ranks #1693 of 1971 institutions, with 1526 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
- 33.2% six-year graduation rate sits 29.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 53.5% first-year retention is 23.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -62.0% return on investment is 147.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $26,999 run about 38% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,740 is roughly $2,159 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 53.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.4% employment rate within three years sits 17.2 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- 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
Saint Augustine's University, a private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC, secures a C grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1693 nationally Completion earns C, Support C+, Career Outcomes C+, 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.
About 53.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 33.2% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -62.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $17,740 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,324.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,584 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 52.4% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $26,999 six years after entry. This is roughly 38% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 85.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -62.0% 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
58.7% 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 Saint Augustine's 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.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Raleigh, NC 27610-2298
- Website www.st-aug.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)