At $28,329/yr net price, Alvernia University graduates earn $55,055/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,055/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,329 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,055/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,055/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.5% |
| 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 | $27,979/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,001/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,381/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,019/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,036/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,553 | $27,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $63,600 | $65,711 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,878 | $37,677 |
| Education, General. | Master | $48,823 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $45,500 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,832 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
58.5% of students at Alvernia University 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
Alvernia University delivers mixed financial returns with a median salary of $55,055 that barely justifies the $28,329 annual net price. Your degree will pay off only if you choose the right major and graduate within a reasonable timeframe.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $64,553 with manageable debt of $27,000. Business management also shows solid returns at $60,878, though debt climbs to $37,677. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions offer high salaries of $63,600 but saddle you with crushing debt of $65,711 that could take decades to repay. Education and accounting majors face poor prospects, with education graduates earning just $48,823 and accounting majors making $45,500.
The 58.5% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. If you drop out after borrowing money, you face debt without the degree needed for higher earnings. The 72.6% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
Alvernia makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing or business and can graduate on time. The school serves students well who need a smaller environment to succeed academically, since the alternative of dropping out elsewhere would be financially devastating. However, you should look elsewhere if you want to study education, accounting, or liberal arts, where the debt-to-income ratio works against you.
With only 33.7% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Focus on demonstrating strong academic performance to maximize any available institutional aid, as reducing that $28,329 net price becomes critical for positive returns outside the top-paying programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alvernia University worth the cost?
Alvernia's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing and rehabilitation programs lead to solid earnings around $63,000-$65,000, but education and accounting graduates earn significantly less at $45,500-$48,800 despite similar debt loads.
What is the job market like for Alvernia University graduates?
Average earnings of $55,055 ten years after graduation are below the national average for four-year colleges. The 58.5% graduation rate means over 40% of students don't finish their degree.
How much debt do Alvernia University students typically graduate with?
Median debt is $27,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates challenges for education majors earning under $49,000. The net price of $28,329 per year adds up quickly for a school with moderate earning outcomes.
Which programs at Alvernia University have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning around $64,553 annually. Business and rehabilitation programs also perform well, while education and accounting majors face lower earning potential relative to their debt.