At $27,141/yr net price, Gwynedd Mercy University graduates earn $67,145/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,145/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,141 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $108,564 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,145/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,145/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.5% |
| 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 | $20,013/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,879/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,170/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,454/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,701/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 | $86,867 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $75,011 | $25,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,144 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 | $30,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $26,820 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $25,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,565 | $25,575 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $27,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,369 | $32,124 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
58.5% of students at Gwynedd Mercy 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
Gwynedd Mercy University delivers solid returns if you choose the right major, but your program choice will make or break your financial outcome. The nursing programs dominate earnings outcomes, with graduates earning up to $86,867 annually while carrying manageable debt loads around $25,000.
Your best bet is nursing, where multiple program tracks all lead to strong salaries between $61,000 and $87,000. Business administration graduates earn a respectable $58,402, though they carry slightly higher debt at $30,250. Allied health programs also provide decent returns at $57,318 with moderate debt burdens.
The university's location in southeastern Pennsylvania helps nursing and healthcare graduates tap into strong regional demand from Philadelphia-area hospitals and health systems. However, the 58% graduation rate means significant risk that you won't finish your program at all.
You should consider Gwynedd Mercy if you're committed to nursing or healthcare careers and want a smaller, supportive environment. The school works well for students who need more personal attention to succeed academically. Avoid this university if you're unsure about your major or interested in fields outside healthcare and business, where earnings data suggests weaker outcomes.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, so most families pay close to the full $27,141 net price. This makes the school a risky choice unless you're confident in completing a high-earning program. The relatively low retention rate of 78% suggests academic or financial struggles cause many students to transfer or drop out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gwynedd Mercy University worth the money?
Gwynedd Mercy University can be worth it if you're pursuing nursing, which pays $75,000-$87,000 annually and makes up their strongest programs. For other majors, the $27,141 annual cost may not justify the $67,145 average earnings, especially with a 58% graduation rate.
What programs at Gwynedd Mercy University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Gwynedd Mercy University offer the strongest return, with graduates earning $61,000-$87,000 depending on specialization. Business and allied health programs show weaker outcomes at $57,000-$58,000 annually.
How much student debt do Gwynedd Mercy University graduates typically have?
Gwynedd Mercy University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but potentially problematic for lower-earning programs. The relatively low debt load compared to the net price suggests decent financial aid availability.
Does Gwynedd Mercy University have a good graduation rate?
Gwynedd Mercy University's 58% graduation rate is below average for four-year colleges. This means 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree, adding financial risk to your investment.