At $9,837/yr net price, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $37,837/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,837/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,837 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,348 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,837/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,837/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,785 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,536/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,962/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,885/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,471/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,138 |
The Risk Factor
16.2% of students at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 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
Cheyney University delivers poor financial returns with a median graduate salary of just $37,837 after 10 years. The extremely low 16% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree while still carrying debt.
Even the highest-paying programs at Cheyney underperform significantly. Business Administration graduates earn $35,060 annually, while Sociology majors make $33,138. These salaries fall well below national averages for college graduates and barely justify the time and cost investment.
The biggest financial risk at Cheyney is simply not graduating. With only 1 in 6 students completing their degree, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 68% retention rate shows many students recognize early that the path isn't working.
Cheyney works financially only for students who can leverage the low $9,837 net price and have strong self-motivation to overcome institutional challenges. If you need significant academic support or career services to succeed, this investment becomes even riskier.
The school does offer one advantage: low debt levels. Graduates carry a median of $21,785, manageable compared to the national average. However, this modest debt load doesn't offset the weak earning potential and graduation risks.
Consider Cheyney only if you have exhausted other options and can attend at minimal personal cost. Students with stronger academic records or those seeking career-focused programs will find better ROI at Pennsylvania's other public universities or community colleges that offer clearer pathways to transfer or employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania worth the cost?
Cheyney University has significant value concerns with a 16% graduation rate and median earnings of $37,837 ten years after enrollment. The low net price of $9,837 helps offset these risks, but the poor graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania?
Business Administration graduates earn around $35,060 annually, making it the highest-paying program at Cheyney University. Sociology graduates earn about $33,138, which is below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Cheyney University of Pennsylvania graduates have?
Cheyney University graduates have a median debt of $21,785. Given the low median earnings of $37,837, this debt level could be manageable for those who actually graduate, but the 16% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What is the return on investment for Cheyney University of Pennsylvania?
Cheyney University's ROI is poor due to its extremely low 16% graduation rate and below-average post-graduation earnings. While the low cost helps, most students don't graduate, making it a high-risk investment despite the affordable price.