At $13,766/yr net price, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates earn $52,374/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,374/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,766 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,374/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,374/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.4% |
| 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 | $10,291/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,086/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,510/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,031/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,783/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $28,250 |
| Natural Sciences. | Bachelor | $30,554 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
43.4% of students at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 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
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology gives you a mixed financial picture with a real warning sign: the school markets itself around science and technology, but its two listed bachelor's programs pay under $40,000. Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn about $38,289 and Natural Sciences graduates earn about $30,554. Both come with roughly $26,000 to $28,000 in debt. Earning $38,000 while owing $28,000 is a tight ratio, and the Natural Sciences number is worse.
The school-wide median earnings of $52,374 sit well above those two program figures, which tells you the higher earners are coming from credentials other than these undergraduate degrees. Do not assume a bachelor's here lands you at $52,000.
The bigger risk is that only 43% of students graduate and 72% return after the first year. You could take on debt, spend a year or two, and leave without a degree. That is the scenario that turns a manageable net price into a bad deal, because loan balances do not disappear when you drop out.
The $13,766 net price is reasonable, and the income tiers are steep in your favor at the bottom: under $30k pays about $10,291, while families over $110k pay closer to $18,000. The jump happens above $75k, where your price climbs to roughly $18,000. If your family earns under $48k, the cost is contained.
This school fits you if you are set on the Harrisburg, PA tech and science job market, plan to finish, and can keep debt near the median. Look elsewhere if you need strong early-career salaries to justify the borrowing, since the listed undergraduate programs here do not deliver that yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisburg University of Science and Technology worth the cost?
With a net price of $13,766 per year and median earnings of $52,374 after 10 years, Harrisburg University offers reasonable value for a STEM-focused education. However, the 43% graduation rate is concerning and significantly below national averages.
What are the best paying majors at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn a median of $38,289, making it the highest-paying program at Harrisburg University. Natural Sciences graduates earn considerably less at $30,554 median salary.
How much debt do Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have?
Harrisburg University graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the relatively low net price. This debt level should be reasonable to pay off with typical STEM salaries.
What is the graduation rate at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
Only 43% of students graduate from Harrisburg University, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate represents a significant risk factor when considering the school's value proposition.