At $21,664/yr net price, Albright College graduates earn $58,700/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,700/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,664 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,700/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,700/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,982/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,524/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,071/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,273/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,680/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,439 | $25,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,041 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,612 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $27,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $37,928 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $27,000 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $36,312 |
The Risk Factor
42.2% of students at Albright College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Albright College presents a mixed financial picture with concerning retention and graduation patterns that significantly impact your investment value. The 42% graduation rate means more than half of students never complete their degree, while the 63% retention rate suggests many leave after just one year.
Information Science stands out as the clear winner financially, generating median earnings of $63,005 compared to the college's overall median of $58,700. Computer Science and Accounting also deliver solid returns above $50,000. However, Business Administration lags at $43,612 despite carrying similar debt levels around $26,000 as other business programs.
Your biggest risk is not graduating. With less than half of students completing their degrees, you could end up with debt but no credential. The relatively low retention rate suggests academic or social fit issues that force students to transfer or drop out entirely.
Albright works best if you're pursuing Information Science or Computer Science and confident you'll finish your degree. The $21,664 net price is reasonable for a private college, and the $27,000 median debt load is manageable for graduates earning in the high $50,000s or above.
Avoid Albright if you're considering majors outside the top-earning programs or if you struggle with academic transitions. The college's location in Reading limits local internship and job opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas. You should also have backup transfer plans given the high dropout rates, as staying enrolled appears challenging for many students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albright College worth the cost?
Albright College graduates earn a median of $58,700 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable given the $21,664 annual net price. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degree, making it a risky investment for some.
What are the best paying majors at Albright College?
Information Science leads Albright's earnings at $63,005, followed by Computer Science at $50,856. Business and accounting programs earn $43,612-$50,439, which are solid returns for the cost.
How much debt do Albright College students graduate with?
Albright graduates have a median debt of $27,000. This debt level is manageable for graduates in higher-paying fields like information science, but could be challenging for those in lower-earning majors.
Does Albright College have good financial aid?
Albright's net price of $21,664 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. The aid appears to make the school affordable for middle-income families, though outcomes depend heavily on choosing the right major.