Cheapest Human Services Colleges in Pennsylvania

Peirce College stands out among Pennsylvania's Human Services, General programs with a net cost of just $12,905, nearly $18,000 below the next most affordable option. The state's 11 programs show a dramatic cost spread, with the University of Scranton reaching $30,528 despite offering the lowest post-graduation earnings at $26,739. Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates steady demand for human services professionals across the commonwealth. Graduation rates vary widely from 5.30% to 80.80%, reflecting different institutional approaches to this field that prepares students for social work, community outreach, and healthcare support roles.

Programs

$12,905 – $30,528

Net Price Range

$30,718

Avg. Program Earnings

58.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Human Services, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Peirce College Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$12,905	$15,060	5.3%
2	Lincoln University Lincoln University, Pennsylvania	$12,912	$12,512	52.1%	80.6%
3	Geneva College Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania	$21,043	$33,610	61.5%	79.1%
4	Seton Hill University Greensburg, Pennsylvania	$22,558	$41,414	71.0%	78.3%
5	Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, Pennsylvania	$22,870	$29,990	71.4%	97.2%
6	Waynesburg University Waynesburg, Pennsylvania	$25,157	$29,460	60.5%	75.6%
7	Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, Pennsylvania	$26,084	$17,940	50.4%
8	Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania	$26,198	$36,842	77.1%	81.1%
9	Gwynedd Mercy University Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania	$27,141	$38,310	58.5%	58.4%
10	Chestnut Hill College Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$29,944	$39,410	56.1%	98.2%
11	University of Scranton Scranton, Pennsylvania	$30,528	$52,309	80.8%	84.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge graduation rate gap between schools in this program?

Peirce College reports just a 5.30% graduation rate while the University of Scranton achieves 80.80%, a 75-point difference that likely reflects different student populations and program structures. Most schools fall between 50% and 77%, suggesting varied approaches to supporting human services students through completion.

How do earnings compare across Pennsylvania's most affordable human services programs?

Graduates earn between $26,739 and $34,526, with Elizabethtown College leading despite being the 8th most expensive option at $26,198 net cost. Surprisingly, the University of Scranton produces the lowest earners at $26,739 while charging the highest net price of $30,528.

Is there a meaningful difference between public and private costs for this major?

The two public options, Lincoln University and Pennsylvania College of Technology, cost $12,912 and $26,084 respectively. Private schools range from $12,905 at Peirce College to $30,528 at University of Scranton, showing significant variation within both sectors.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Pennsylvania's job market?

Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, led by UPMC and pharmaceutical companies, provides numerous opportunities for human services graduates. The state's finance and technology sectors also employ these professionals in employee assistance and corporate social responsibility roles.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.