At $21,461/yr net price, Keystone College graduates earn $44,976/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,976/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,461 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,976/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,976/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,257/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,196/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,731/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,623/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,181/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,013 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $37,424 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,793 | $26,050 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,216 | $26,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $27,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $24,532 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,912 | $24,000 |
| Education, Other. | Bachelor | $22,710 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Keystone College 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
Keystone College delivers weak financial returns that put graduates at economic risk. With median earnings of $45,000 against $26,000 in debt, you face a concerning debt-to-income ratio that limits your financial flexibility after graduation.
The 41% graduation rate signals serious completion risk. If you drop out, you carry debt without the degree needed to justify it. The low 61% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
Your major choice becomes critical at Keystone since even the highest-earning program, accounting, produces graduates earning just $43,000 annually. Criminal justice majors face particularly poor prospects at $33,000, barely above many jobs that require no degree. Business administration graduates earn $35,000 despite accumulating the same debt load as higher-earning majors.
Keystone works financially only if you receive substantial aid to drive your net price well below the $21,461 average. With 45% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities exist but are not guaranteed. You need to secure enough grants and scholarships to cut your total program cost significantly.
This college suits you only if regional employers specifically value Keystone credentials or if you plan to use the degree as a stepping stone to graduate school. The northeastern Pennsylvania job market limits opportunities, and the college lacks the reputation to open doors elsewhere. Students seeking strong earning potential should consider state schools with better outcomes or wait to attend college until they can afford a higher-caliber institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keystone College worth the cost?
Keystone College graduates earn $44,976 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $21,461 per year and median debt of $26,000, the financial return is modest compared to other four-year institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Keystone College?
Accounting offers the highest return at $42,682 annually, followed by Special Education at $38,289. Business and Criminal Justice programs produce lower earnings in the $33,000-35,000 range, which may not justify the debt load for many students.
How much debt do Keystone College students graduate with?
The median debt is $26,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with a 41% graduation rate, many students take on debt without completing their degree, making this a significant financial risk.
Does Keystone College have good financial aid?
The net price of $21,461 suggests decent financial aid for a private college. Students should compare this carefully to in-state public options, which often provide better value for similar career outcomes.