At $28,132/yr net price, Lebanon Valley College graduates earn $62,621/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,621/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,132 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,621/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,621/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.5% |
| 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 | $20,164/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,997/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,785/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,538/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,143/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,425 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,104 | $51,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,629 | $24,125 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $44,942 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $26,658 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,930 | $25,419 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,309 | $26,250 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
72.5% of students at Lebanon Valley College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lebanon Valley College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $28,132 annual net price leads to solid outcomes in business and healthcare fields but poor returns in several other programs.
Business administration graduates earn $73,425 annually, making this program the clear financial winner at LVC. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also pay well at $71,104, though graduates carry higher debt loads of $51,250. Accounting provides steady middle-class earnings at $53,629 with manageable $24,125 debt levels.
The financial picture turns problematic for science and education majors. Biochemistry graduates earn just $44,942 despite completing a demanding program, while special education majors face the double burden of low $43,798 salaries and $26,658 in debt. These programs offer poor financial value given LVC's price point.
Your biggest risk at LVC is picking the wrong major. The $30,000+ gap between top and bottom-earning programs means your career field choice matters more than the college itself. The 72.5% graduation rate also means significant risk of leaving with debt but no degree.
LVC works financially if you plan to study business or enter healthcare fields and can afford the net price without excessive borrowing. The school's Pennsylvania location provides access to Philadelphia and New York job markets, which helps business graduates command higher salaries.
Avoid LVC if you want to study education or basic sciences unless you have strong financial backing. With only 22% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. You need either family financial support or clear career plans in high-paying fields to justify this investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lebanon Valley College worth the money?
Lebanon Valley College graduates earn $62,621 annually after 10 years, which is decent but not exceptional for the $28,132 yearly cost. The school's 72.5% graduation rate means about 1 in 4 students don't finish, making it a moderate financial risk.
What are the best paying majors at Lebanon Valley College?
Business and rehabilitation programs at Lebanon Valley College offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning over $70,000 annually. Education and biochemistry majors earn significantly less at around $44,000, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Lebanon Valley College students graduate with?
Lebanon Valley College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable for most career paths. This debt load is reasonable compared to the school's net price and typical earnings outcomes.
Does Lebanon Valley College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $28,132, Lebanon Valley College offers moderate financial aid that brings costs down from the full sticker price. However, families still face significant yearly expenses that require careful financial planning.