At $20,231/yr net price, Millersville University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $55,246/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,246/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,231 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,924 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,246/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,246/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,507 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,632/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,117/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,988/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,020/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,724/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $99,680 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,403 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,990 | $10,642 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $59,948 | |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $25,000 |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $55,547 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $49,484 | $25,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $47,064 | $26,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
The Risk Factor
54.4% of students at Millersville University of Pennsylvania 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
Millersville University delivers mediocre financial returns that vary dramatically by major choice. The school's $55,246 median earnings place it below national averages, while a concerning 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees.
Your major selection determines everything at Millersville. Nursing programs produce strong outcomes with graduates earning up to $98,403 annually while carrying minimal debt. The bioethics program also commands strong salaries near $100,000. However, most other programs struggle to justify the investment given the school's overall performance metrics.
The financial risks center on completion. With retention rates below 80%, you face real chances of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The relatively low aid percentage means most students pay close to sticker price, making the completion risk more expensive than at schools with better support systems.
Millersville works financially if you can gain admission to nursing or allied health programs and have strong academic preparation to handle the completion challenges. The school's location in Pennsylvania provides access to healthcare job markets where these degrees translate to solid careers.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, plan to study outside healthcare fields, or require substantial financial aid. The combination of modest earnings potential and completion risks makes Millersville a poor choice for students who need flexible payment options or remedial coursework. Community college transfer pathways might offer better value for students unsure about their academic readiness for a four-year program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Millersville University of Pennsylvania worth the cost?
Millersville's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing and bioethics graduates earn strong salaries ($98,000-$99,000), but the overall 10-year earnings of $55,246 barely justify the $20,231 annual cost for most programs.
What are the best paying majors at Millersville University of Pennsylvania?
Bioethics/Medical Ethics tops the list at $99,680, followed by nursing programs around $98,000. Most other majors fall well below these figures, making program choice critical for financial returns.
How much student debt do Millersville University of Pennsylvania graduates have?
The median debt is $23,507, which is manageable for high-earning nursing graduates but potentially problematic for lower-paying majors. With only a 54% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Millersville University of Pennsylvania have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary drastically by program. Healthcare-related majors see strong employment and salaries, but the 54% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.