Anna Maria College

Anna Maria blends liberal arts with career prep, boasting a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and popular majors like fire science (64 grads in 2024), nursing (26 grads), and criminal justice (35 grads). Its 5th Year Master’s Programs let students earn two degrees in five years, though retention rates lag at 60%. The curriculum emphasizes 'community-oriented professions,' with nursing graduates seeing an 88% completion rate—a bright spot in an otherwise mixed academic profile.

With just 995 undergraduates (fall 2023), Anna Maria fosters a close-knit vibe where 95% of students report feeling 'extremely safe.' Campus life revolves around clubs, ministry programs, and career services—think small-scale events rather than Big Ten football. The college actively promotes a 'respect'-based culture, though its rural Paxton location (population ~5,000) means off-campus excitement requires a drive to Worcester or Boston.

The Class of 2025 achieved a stellar 95.2% employment rate, validating Anna Maria’s career-prep focus. But long-term metrics are weaker: six-year graduation rates sit at 58%, and median earnings five years post-grad are $36,427—below the national average. Fire science and nursing grads likely pull these numbers up, while liberal arts majors may struggle; the college doesn’t publish discipline-specific earnings data.

Tuition runs $28,732 after average aid packages of $29,751—a near-full discount for many students. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests most attendees pay far below sticker price, though the college’s 23/100 financial resilience score (per IBEX Insights) raises questions about long-term stability. For vocational students, the ROI may justify costs; liberal arts majors should scrutinize earnings data.

Anna Maria’s fire science program—one of the few in New England—and its nursing pipeline deliver exceptional job placement (95.2% employed). The college’s small size and Catholic identity create a supportive environment, albeit one with limited resources. It’s a trade-off: students sacrifice prestige and campus buzz for hands-on training in high-demand fields. For those prioritizing employability over ivy-covered walls, it’s a pragmatic choice.