Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida · Private Nonprofit · 78.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 30/100 · Poor Value
Saint Leo University earns a Poor Value tier with an ROI score of 30 out of 100. The Saint Leo, Florida Catholic university operates a hybrid model with a 6,721 enrollment combining its main campus with a substantial online and education-center presence serving working adults and military families. Sticker tuition is $30,000, with a $21,293 net price after aid, putting four-year cost-of-attendance at $85,172. The 16.8-year payback period and 0.645 debt-to-earnings ratio (median debt $25,278 against median 6-year earnings of $39,200) reflect the school's broad working-adult enrollment base where outcomes are mixed. The 45.0% completion rate is below average, and the 48.8% three-year repayment rate is among the weaker signals on this profile. Median 10-year earnings of $48,364 show modest improvement. Computer science is a clear ROI winner; criminal justice (a strong program for military-connected students) and business administration are reasonable; humanities and social science majors face severe earnings-to-debt mismatches. Saint Leo's military-friendly programs and online flexibility are real differentiators that the data doesn't fully capture.
The data raises concerns about Saint Leo University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score30/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period16.8 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Saint Leo University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $30,000/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $30,000/yr |
| Average net price | $21,293/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $85,172 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,364 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,278 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $268 |
| Estimated payback period | 16.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 45.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,721 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Saint Leo University is $30,000/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $21,293/year, or roughly $85,172 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $19,602/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,780/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,278 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $268 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,364 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.65 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,602 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,699 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,823 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,707 |
| $110,001+ | $25,780 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning $0-30K pay $19,602 net annually, with $30,001-48,000 households paying less at $17,699. Four-year cost of $71K-$78K is workable for STEM and business completers but tight for liberal arts students. Pell-eligible students should evaluate Florida public alternatives like USF or UCF first given materially lower in-state public tuition.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income brackets pay $19,823 to $23,707 net annually, with the lower band roughly flat to the $0-48K bracket. Four-year cost runs $79K-$95K. The math works for criminal justice and business completers using military or employer tuition support; for self-paying middle-income families it's tough versus Florida public options.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110K pay $25,780 net annually, or $103K over four years. At that price for a 6-year median income of $39,200, the case requires the student to be in CS, business, or criminal justice with employer or military tuition support. Otherwise the math points to in-state Florida publics.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Saint Leo University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,505 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $60,389 | C |
| Psychology | $48,786 | D |
| Teacher Education | $49,634 | C+ |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $52,934 | C |
| Accounting | $66,056 | C |
| Computer Science | $72,645 | B |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $81,025 | C |
| Human Resources Management | $62,122 | D |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $56,145 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is one of Saint Leo's larger programs with 267 graduates per year. First-year median earnings of $54,167 climb to $67,505 by year four, against $28,875 median debt for a 0.533 debt-to-earnings ratio and C+ ROI grade. Many graduates are working adults completing the credential while employed, which compresses early-career earnings progression but provides a reasonable payback path.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice has 225 graduates per year, one of Saint Leo's signature programs given its military and law enforcement student population. First-year earnings of $47,853 climb to $60,389 by year four, with $30,500 median debt producing a 0.637 debt-to-earnings ratio and C ROI grade. Federal law enforcement and military advancement uses make this credential particularly portable in this population.
Computer Science
Computer Science is Saint Leo's standout small program with 44 graduates per year. First-year earnings of $72,237 are nearly flat to $72,645 by year four, suggesting graduates land at strong starting salaries but show modest progression. With $25,972 median debt the 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a B ROI grade, the highest at the institution. Strong choice for military-connected students using GI Bill benefits.
Psychology
Psychology has 193 graduates per year and the math is rough at the bachelor's level. First-year earnings of $36,139 against $32,461 median debt produces a 0.898 debt-to-earnings ratio and D ROI grade. Year-four earnings of $48,786 show improvement but never normalize the picture. As elsewhere, psychology bachelor's holders face a graduate-school requirement to enter licensed clinical work.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education has 71 graduates per year with first-year earnings of $45,065 climbing to $49,634 by year four. With $23,937 median debt the 0.531 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a C+ ROI grade. Florida public-school teacher salaries cap upside, but PSLF eligibility and the manageable debt make this a defensible track for committed future teachers.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 40.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 48.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 41.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 52.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 78.4% |
| Enrollment | 6,721 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,688 |
Saint Leo admits 78.4% of applicants, classifying as moderately selective on its main residential campus. SAT and ACT scores are not reported in current Scorecard data, consistent with test-optional policies common at Catholic regional universities. The 45% completion rate is below average and reflects the institution's working-adult and military-affiliated population where program completion is structurally harder than for traditional residential students.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among Saint Leo's peer set, Barry University in Miami is its closest direct Florida Catholic comparable with similar mid-tier ROI scores. Baptist University of Florida is an in-state faith-based peer at smaller scale. Colorado Christian University is a national Christian liberal arts comparable. Franklin University and Columbia College in Missouri are large working-adult-focused private nonprofits with similar enrollment models. Saint Leo's 30 ROI score lands at the low end of this group, with Barry and CCU generally outperforming on overall outcomes.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Leo University (this school) | 30 | $21,293 | $48,364 |
| Arizona Christian University | 30 | $32,839 | $51,612 |
| Calvary University | 30 | $16,334 | $45,421 |
| Manhattan Christian College | 29 | $24,213 | $48,860 |
| Asbury University | 29 | $21,401 | $42,368 |
| Belhaven University | 29 | $15,676 | $46,440 |
Who Thrives Here
Saint Leo fits military-connected students, working adults seeking flexible Catholic-affiliated education, and traditional residential students drawn to the central Florida campus. With 6,721 enrolled and a 32.5% Pell rate, the population skews more middle-class than other regional Catholics. Best fit for criminal justice or business students using the school's military partnerships and tuition assistance benefits, and for committed STEM-track residential students. Weak fit for liberal arts or humanities students given consistent F and D ROI grades in those tracks.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Saint Leo University. With a net cost of $21,293 per year and median graduate earnings of only $48,364 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 16.8 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 45.0% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $25,278 against $48,364 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.