At $26,198/yr net price, Elizabethtown College graduates earn $62,399/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,399/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,198 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,399/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,399/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,946/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,414/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,711/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,608/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,855/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,307 | $20,500 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $62,508 | $26,788 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,386 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,901 | $26,000 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $46,673 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,441 | $27,000 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $39,592 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
77.1% of students at Elizabethtown College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Elizabethtown College delivers solid but unspectacular financial returns, with graduates earning a median $62,399 after ten years against $27,000 in typical debt. The math works, but you'll find better value elsewhere in Pennsylvania's competitive higher education market.
Business programs offer the strongest payoff at $75,204 annually, making them worthwhile despite higher debt loads. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions provide decent returns at $64,307 with below-average debt of $20,500. Engineering graduates earn $62,508 but carry typical debt burdens that eat into the advantage. Accounting majors face a tougher proposition at $54,386, barely justifying the cost compared to state school alternatives.
The college's location in south-central Pennsylvania limits high-paying job opportunities compared to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh markets. You'll likely need to relocate for top salaries, which adds hidden costs to your education investment. The 77% graduation rate signals some students struggle to complete their programs, wasting tuition dollars.
Elizabethtown works best for students pursuing business or healthcare fields who value small class sizes and personal attention over maximum earning potential. The school makes less sense for liberal arts majors or those needing significant financial aid, since only 19% of students receive assistance. Merit scholarships exist but are limited compared to larger institutions.
If you can secure substantial aid or have family financial support, Elizabethtown provides a reasonable education investment. However, Pennsylvania residents should seriously consider state schools like Penn State or Pitt for better value, while out-of-state students can find stronger ROI at their home state flagships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elizabethtown College worth the money?
Elizabethtown College graduates earn a median of $62,399 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable given the $26,198 annual net price. However, this return varies significantly by major, with business programs offering much stronger financial outcomes than other fields.
What are the best paying majors at Elizabethtown College?
Business, management, and marketing programs at Elizabethtown College lead to median earnings of $75,204, making them the strongest ROI choice. Engineering and rehabilitation programs also perform well, while information science and accounting majors earn considerably less.
How much debt do Elizabethtown College students graduate with?
The median debt for Elizabethtown College graduates is $27,000, which is manageable relative to typical starting salaries. With a 77% graduation rate, most students do complete their degrees, though nearly one in four do not finish.
Does Elizabethtown College have good financial aid?
Elizabethtown College's net price of $26,198 represents a significant discount from the sticker price, indicating substantial financial aid. The relatively moderate debt levels suggest the aid packages are realistic for most families.