Head-to-head · 2026
College of Saint Mary vs Western Nebraska Community College
Compare average net price ($16,590 at College of Saint Mary; $5,474 at Western Nebraska Community College), ROI score (8.19 vs 17.69), ten-year median earnings ($54,338 vs $38,729), and admissions context (44.7% at College of Saint Mary; Open / not reported at Western Nebraska Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Western Nebraska Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Western Nebraska Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of Saint Mary | Western Nebraska Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.19 | 17.69 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,590 | $5,474 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,338 ✓ | $38,729 |
| Acceptance rate | 44.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 60.5% ✓ | 36.6% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 445 | 893 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1150 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
College of Saint Mary costs $11,116 more per year than Western Nebraska Community College ($16,590 vs $5,474). College of Saint Mary graduates report $15,609 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,338 vs $38,729). On EduGradify's model that puts Western Nebraska Community College ahead on projected ROI (17.69 vs 8.19, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Western Nebraska Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, College of Saint Mary reports 44.7% acceptance; Western Nebraska Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
College of Saint Mary vs Western Nebraska Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of Saint Mary or Western Nebraska Community College the better value?
Western Nebraska Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.69 vs 8.19), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Nebraska Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,474 per year vs $16,590 at College of Saint Mary. The annual difference of $11,116 adds up to about $44,464 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
College of Saint Mary reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,338 vs $38,729 at Western Nebraska Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,609.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of Saint Mary reports a B value grade; Western Nebraska Community College reports A+.