At $12,882/yr net price, Commonwealth Technical Institute graduates earn $21,632/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,882 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $21,632/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-12,368/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,117/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,664/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,170/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,421/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Certificate | $17,060 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
74.4% of students at Commonwealth Technical Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Commonwealth Technical Institute delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. With median earnings of $21,632 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $12,882 annually, you're paying premium prices for below-average outcomes in a region where technical skills should command higher wages.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across programs. Building and construction finishing graduates earn just $17,060 annually, far below what skilled tradespeople typically make in Pennsylvania. Health and medical administrative services pays even less at $13,702, which falls well short of living wage standards in most areas.
Your biggest financial risk here is opportunity cost. You could likely earn similar wages without any formal training, making the $25,764 total program cost a poor investment. The 74% graduation rate means one in four students leaves without completing their program, often still carrying debt.
This school might work for you if you're using it as a stepping stone to a four-year program or if you have significant financial aid that covers most costs. The 47% of students receiving aid suggests some scholarship opportunities exist, but you'll need substantial help to make the numbers work.
Most prospective students should look elsewhere. Pennsylvania's community colleges offer similar programs at lower cost with better regional employer connections. If you're set on technical training, consider apprenticeship programs that pay you while you learn instead of charging tuition for skills that generate modest returns in the job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Commonwealth Technical Institute worth the cost?
With graduates earning $21,632 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $12,882 per year, the financial return is low compared to other technical schools. The debt-to-income ratio makes this a high-risk investment for most students.
What are the highest paying programs at Commonwealth Technical Institute?
Building/Construction programs offer the best earnings at $17,060 annually, while Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn only $13,702. Both figures fall well below the national average for technical program graduates.
How much debt do Commonwealth Technical Institute graduates typically have?
At $12,882 per year, students face significant debt relative to their post-graduation earnings of $21,632. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that may take decades to overcome.
Does Commonwealth Technical Institute have good job placement rates?
While the school has a 74% graduation rate, the low earnings data suggests graduates struggle to find well-paying positions. Most programs lead to jobs paying less than $18,000 annually.