At $19,258/yr net price, Lycoming College graduates earn $56,210/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,210/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,258 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,210/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,210/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.6% |
| 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 | $10,756/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,044/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,467/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,561/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,790/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $27,000 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $33,518 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,956 | $26,516 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 | |
| Classical and Ancient Studies. | Bachelor | $17,950 |
The Risk Factor
59.6% of students at Lycoming 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
Lycoming College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $19,258 annual net price makes this private college surprisingly affordable, but the 59.6% graduation rate means four in ten students never finish their degree.
Economics and business majors see the strongest returns, with starting salaries around $42,000 that can justify the typical $27,000 debt load. However, popular programs like psychology, criminology, and communications start near $33,000, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years.
The biggest financial risk at Lycoming is the graduation rate. If you struggle academically or lack strong study habits, you face a real chance of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The 82.4% retention rate suggests many students who leave do so after freshman year.
Lycoming works financially for students who can secure merit aid (available to about 40% of students) and plan to major in economics or business. The small-town Pennsylvania location keeps living costs reasonable, and the relatively low net price makes this college accessible compared to similar private institutions.
Skip Lycoming if you're considering psychology, communications, or criminology without a clear career plan, or if you performed poorly in high school and worry about completing your degree. The combination of modest starting salaries and significant dropout risk creates genuine financial danger for unprepared students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lycoming College worth the cost?
Lycoming College graduates earn a median of $56,210 ten years after graduation, which is decent but not exceptional given the $19,258 annual net price. The 59% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Lycoming College?
Economics majors at Lycoming College earn the highest starting salaries at $42,682, followed by business administration at $41,937. Psychology and communications majors earn significantly less at around $33,000, which may not justify the debt load.
How much debt do Lycoming College students graduate with?
Lycoming College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. This is manageable for economics and business majors but could be problematic for lower-paying fields like psychology or communications.
Does Lycoming College have good job placement after graduation?
With a 75% acceptance rate and 59% graduation rate, Lycoming College is not particularly selective and struggles to graduate students. The school doesn't publish strong job placement data, which typically indicates average to below-average career outcomes.