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's financial picture is rough. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns $37,837, which sits below what many workers make without any degree at all. Combine that with a 16.2% graduation rate, and the odds of paying for school without finishing weigh heavily on your decision.
The two bachelor's programs with reported earnings both pay poorly. Business Administration graduates make $35,060 and Sociology graduates make $33,138. Neither clears the median, and both leave you earning near entry-level wages a full decade out. There is no high-paying major here to offset the weak overall number.
The biggest risk is completion. With only 16.2% of students graduating and about a third not returning after their first year, you carry a real chance of leaving with debt and no degree. The median debt of $21,785 is manageable if you finish and land a job, but it becomes a serious burden against $35,000 earnings or no diploma at all.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $75k, you pay between $7,885 and $10,536 a year. But the $75-110k tier jumps to $18,471, more than double the middle bracket, so a modest income bump costs you far more out of pocket.
Cheyney makes financial sense if you qualify for the lower price tiers, are committed to finishing, and want a low-cost path into business or public-sector work. If you earn between $75k and $110k, or you're weighing programs by their salary payoff, the numbers here don't hold up, and you should compare other Pennsylvania public schools before committing.
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.