Mount St. Joseph University
Mount St. Joseph University is a private nonprofit university in Cincinnati, OH ranked #523 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 1,100 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 56.5%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Biology.
Day to day, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.0% first-year retention, and 54.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $16,135, about $863 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -32.5%, roughly 117.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $43,595. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Mount St. Joseph University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Mount St. Joseph University graduates 54.7% of students within six years and keeps 76.0% 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 Mount St. Joseph 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 | $36,650 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,200 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $43,932 |
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 27.3% of Mount St. Joseph University students receive Pell Grants — below 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 $11,206 to $22,642 depending on family income. Use Mount St. Joseph University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,001/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,642/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,595
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,595
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,837
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 58.7%
- Employment Rate 93.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Mount St. Joseph 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.
Mount St. Joseph University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Mount St. Joseph University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Mount St. Joseph University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Mount St. Joseph University graduates earn $43,595 median, the -32.5% 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 440-548
- SAT Math 440-535
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,100
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.0%
- Graduation Rate 54.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Mount St. Joseph University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Mount St. Joseph 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 56.5%, Mount St. Joseph 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 56.5% acceptance rate, Mount St. Joseph University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 880 and 1083 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Mount St. Joseph University undergraduates. Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Economics represent the largest concentrations of students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 14.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.8%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.9%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.1%
- Psychology, General 5.1%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.6%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,339
- 2. Biology, General $70,281
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $69,074
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $56,008
- 5. Criminology $42,457
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $42,111
- 7. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $39,034
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $145,361
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $97,906
- 3. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $88,424
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $84,470
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $82,452
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $60,069
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $58,808
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $73,339—88% more than Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($39,034). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $145,361 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Mount St. Joseph 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
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 85 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 37 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 29 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 (40 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- Education, General
- Social Work
- Natural Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Criminology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Behavioral Sciences
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Legal Support Services
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Science
- Applied Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)â–¼
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Legal Support Services
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,100
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 47.4%
- Female Students 52.5%
- Caucasian 74.2%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 4.8%
- Black 12.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Mount St. Joseph University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Mount St. Joseph University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mount St. Joseph 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 Mount St. Joseph University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mount St. Joseph 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 Mount St. Joseph University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Mount St. Joseph University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -32.5% ROI. Ranked #523 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $16,135 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $43,595 median earnings. With 54.7% graduating within six years and 76.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Mount St. Joseph University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #523 ranking, Mount St. Joseph University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $16,135 annually, Mount St. Joseph University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 76.0% 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 $11,294 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -32.5% ROI and $43,595 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $6,135+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Mount St. Joseph University ranks #523 of 1966 institutions, with 577 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
- 54.7% six-year graduation rate sits 7.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.0% first-year retention is 0.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -32.5% return on investment is 117.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,595 run about 0% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,135 is roughly $3,774 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.1% employment rate within three years sits 24.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 27.3% trails the national share by 6.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- 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 Cincinnati, OH, Mount St. Joseph University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It holds a #523 national ranking 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.
About 76.0% of first-year students return, and roughly 54.7% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -32.5% 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 $16,135 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $43,932.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,797 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,837 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.3% 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 $43,595 at the median. This is roughly 0% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 93.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -32.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
56.5% 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 St. Joseph 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 Cincinnati, OH 45233-1670
- Website www.msj.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$61.7M