Business Administration at St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Business Administration, Management and Operations
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,105/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #1094 of 1,169 Business Administration programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business Administration graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $509K $508K $473K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 43% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$144,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,408
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,255
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $39,105/yr fall 17% below the $46,892 national median for Business Administration. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $39,105/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #1094 ranking among 1,169 Business Administration programs places St. Mary's University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 29% earnings increase from $39,105 to $50,255 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About St. Mary's University

St. Mary's University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,911 students in San Antonio, TX. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. The average net cost of $85,408 over four years represents a 41% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at St. Mary's University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
View all 42 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business Administration at Other Schools

Other Majors at St. Mary's University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business Administration at St. Mary's University?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Business Administration programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business Administration at St. Mary's University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is St. Mary's University a good choice for Business Administration despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If St. Mary's University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →