At $24,791/yr net price, Harcum College graduates earn $46,827/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,827/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,791 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,827/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,827/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,440 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,536/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,220/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,269/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,503/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,692/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. | Associate | $64,990 | $21,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $54,880 | $20,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,478 | $19,915 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $32,925 | $18,500 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $28,960 | $20,511 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $22,094 | $18,440 |
The Risk Factor
38.8% of students at Harcum College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Harcum College delivers mixed financial returns that heavily depend on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $64,990 annually against $21,000 in debt. This creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment for most students.
Allied health programs offer moderate returns, with medical assisting services reaching $54,880 in earnings. Dental support services graduates earn $46,478, which aligns with the overall median but represents weaker value given similar debt loads. The veterinary technology program poses the biggest financial risk, producing earnings of just $32,925 while still requiring $18,500 in debt.
The 39% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating debt without completing your credential. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in lower-earning programs who cannot afford to leave without a degree.
Harcum works best for students committed to nursing or medical assisting who can leverage the school's healthcare connections in the Philadelphia suburbs. The location provides access to numerous hospitals and medical facilities that actively recruit from the program.
Avoid Harcum if you're considering veterinary technology or if you're uncertain about your program choice. The combination of high costs and low graduation rates makes exploration expensive. Students interested in general education or undecided majors should start at community college and transfer to reduce financial exposure.
With 53% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is available but not guaranteed. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, as the per-year price of $24,791 can accumulate rapidly for students who extend their timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harcum College worth the cost?
Harcum College's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $65,000 annually, making the $25,000 yearly cost reasonable, but other programs like veterinary technology lead to $33,000 salaries that may not justify the expense.
What is the ROI for Harcum College graduates?
Overall graduate earnings of $47,000 after 10 years barely double the annual cost of attendance. The low 39% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, significantly worsening the financial outcome.
Which Harcum College programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Harcum College offer the strongest return with $65,000 starting salaries. Allied health programs earn around $55,000, while dental support services graduates make $46,000 annually.
How much debt do Harcum College students typically graduate with?
Harcum College graduates carry a median debt of $18,440, which is manageable for nursing majors but concerning for lower-paying programs. With only 39% of students completing their degrees, many accumulate debt without the credential needed for career advancement.