At $25,885/yr net price, Eastern University graduates earn $51,655/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,655/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,885 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,655/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,655/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,050/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,039/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,123/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,638/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,882/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $78,785 | $39,842 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,355 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 | $37,675 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $51,273 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,022 | |
| Education, Other. | Master | $47,930 | $19,373 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $26,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $45,852 | $57,683 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,193 |
The Risk Factor
56.0% of students at Eastern 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
Eastern University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn $78,785 annually, making it the clear winner despite higher debt loads of $39,842. Nursing graduates also see strong returns at $66,355 with more manageable $26,000 debt levels.
Business Administration offers solid middle-ground earnings of $58,402, though debt climbs to $37,675. Education and accounting majors face tougher economics, with Special Education graduates earning just $51,273 and accounting majors $50,022 against the school's $25,885 annual net price.
The 56% graduation rate presents significant risk. Nearly half of students who start at Eastern never finish, meaning you could rack up debt without earning the degree needed for career advancement. The 70% retention rate shows students frequently transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Eastern works financially if you pursue health administration or nursing and can complete your degree within four years. These programs justify the investment with strong regional job markets in the Philadelphia area. Business majors see reasonable returns but need to manage debt carefully.
Avoid Eastern if you plan to major in education or accounting, where earnings barely exceed what you could earn with just a high school diploma in many markets. The combination of high costs and weak graduation rates makes these programs particularly risky investments.
With only 36% of students receiving financial aid, Eastern offers limited need-based assistance. You need either strong family financial support or admission to one of the higher-earning programs to make the numbers work long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern University worth the cost?
Eastern University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Health administration and nursing programs offer strong returns with salaries around $67,000-$79,000, but the overall median earnings of $52,000 against $26,000 in debt creates a modest payoff for most graduates.
What programs at Eastern University have the best job prospects?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads with $78,785 median earnings, followed by nursing programs at $66,355. Business and education majors see lower returns around $50,000-$58,000, which barely justifies the cost.
How much debt do Eastern University students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with only a 56% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Eastern University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $25,885 shows decent aid for a private university. Still, nearly half of students don't graduate, making the financial risk significant even with aid.