At $23,206/yr net price, Gannon University graduates earn $58,845/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,845/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,206 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,824 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,845/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,845/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.5% |
| 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 | $16,808/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,863/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,199/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,316/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,859/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $164,940 | $110,884 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $92,885 | $41,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,660 | $133,446 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $63,799 | $20,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $27,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,760 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,154 | $37,433 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $49,683 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $49,392 | $14,612 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
The Risk Factor
69.5% of students at Gannon University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Gannon University delivers strong returns for health-focused students but poses serious debt risks in other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $164,940 annually, though you'll carry $110,884 in debt to get there. Allied health diagnostic programs offer a better debt-to-income ratio at $92,885 in earnings with $41,000 in debt.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic programs show concerning debt loads. One track saddles graduates with $133,446 in debt for $67,660 in annual earnings, creating a dangerous financial burden that could take decades to resolve. Engineering graduates earn modestly at $58,673 with manageable $27,000 debt levels.
Your biggest financial risk lies in Gannon's 69.5% graduation rate and 76% retention rate. Nearly one in four students leave after freshman year, and three in ten never finish their degree. This creates substantial financial loss without the earning benefits of completion.
Gannon works financially if you're committed to nursing or allied health careers in the Erie region, where these skills command premium wages. The school's health program connections provide job placement advantages that justify the higher debt in nursing specifically.
Avoid Gannon if you're uncertain about your major or considering liberal arts fields not represented in the top-earning programs. The combination of high debt loads and modest overall earnings makes exploration expensive here. Only 22% of students receive need-based aid, so merit scholarships become critical for affordability. Focus your application on demonstrating fit for health programs where Gannon's reputation creates clear career pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gannon University worth the cost?
Gannon University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $164,940 within 10 years, making the $27,000 median debt manageable, but other programs may not justify the $23,206 annual cost.
What are the best paying majors at Gannon University?
Registered Nursing leads at $164,940 in 10-year earnings, followed by Allied Health programs at $92,885. Engineering and rehabilitation programs earn $58,000-68,000, which is solid but not exceptional for the debt load.
How much debt do Gannon University students typically graduate with?
Gannon students graduate with $27,000 in median debt. This is manageable for nursing majors but creates a tighter financial situation for graduates in lower-paying programs.
Does Gannon University have good job placement after graduation?
Gannon's 69.5% graduation rate is below average, suggesting some students struggle to complete their programs. The 80% acceptance rate indicates less selective admissions, which can affect overall graduate outcomes.