At $19,279/yr net price, Central Penn College graduates earn $45,370/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,370/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,279 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,370/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,370/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,194 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,591/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,974/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,769/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,097/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,251/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,673 | $34,720 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,560 | $14,529 |
The Risk Factor
38.9% of students at Central Penn College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Central Penn College gives you a mixed financial picture with real warning signs. You'll pay about $19,000 a year net, walk out with median earnings around $45,000, and carry roughly $23,000 in debt. Those earnings and debt roughly balance out, but the low graduation rate is the problem that overshadows everything else.
Only about 39% of students finish, and only 64% come back after their first year. That means more than a third of you leave before graduating, and leaving with debt but no degree is the worst financial outcome this school can hand you. The debt is real, but the risk that you never finish is the bigger threat to your wallet.
The one program with reported data is Business Administration, which pays about $46,700 at the bachelor level. That's slightly above the school's overall median, so business is the safer bet here. But that program also carries the heaviest debt on record, around $34,700, well above the school-wide median. You'll earn more, but you'll also borrow more to get there.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $14,600, and the $48,000-$75,000 tier pays roughly the same. But the $75,000-$110,000 tier jumps to about $20,100, and families over $110,000 pay close to $28,300. Middle and upper-middle income families get the worst deal here relative to what they earn.
This school fits you if you're committed to finishing the business program and you know you'll graduate. If you're unsure about completing a degree, the completion odds here make the debt a serious gamble. Look elsewhere if you want a proven path with a stronger graduation rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Penn College worth the cost?
Central Penn College graduates earn a median of $45,370 ten years after graduation, which is modest for a $19,279 annual net price. With a 39% graduation rate and $23,194 median debt, the return on investment is below average compared to other colleges.
What are the best paying programs at Central Penn College?
Business Administration and Management graduates from Central Penn College earn around $46,673 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates earn significantly less at $36,560 per year.
How much debt do Central Penn College students graduate with?
Central Penn College graduates have a median debt of $23,194. Given that graduates earn around $45,370 ten years later, this debt load is manageable but represents a significant portion of early career earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Central Penn College?
Central Penn College has a 39% graduation rate, meaning most students who start there do not finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition and return on investment.