At $24,829/yr net price, Misericordia University graduates earn $64,313/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,313/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,829 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,313/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,313/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,973 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,361/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,948/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,763/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,286/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,029/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,465 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,775 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,597 | $82,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $72,022 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,377 | $27,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $27,407 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $55,338 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,650 | $28,837 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,007 | $26,500 |
The Risk Factor
69.2% of students at Misericordia University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Misericordia University delivers strong ROI for health science majors but presents significant financial risks for students in other programs. The school's location in northeastern Pennsylvania positions graduates well for healthcare jobs in the region's hospital systems and rehabilitation centers.
Allied health diagnostic programs generate strong returns at $105,465 annually, while nursing graduates earn $96,775 in their first programs. However, rehabilitation therapy creates a mixed picture: one track produces $73,597 earnings with $82,000 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years.
Your biggest risk is choosing a non-healthcare major. With median earnings of $64,313 across all programs, students outside the health sciences likely earn significantly less while paying the same $24,829 net price. The 69% graduation rate means nearly one in three students never finish their degree.
This school works best if you're committed to nursing or allied health careers and can handle the academic demands. The 79% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the coursework. You should look elsewhere if you're unsure about healthcare or considering liberal arts majors.
Only 19% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense given the school's health science reputation. Your best cost strategy involves graduating quickly in a high-earning healthcare program, as the debt load becomes manageable with nursing or diagnostic technology salaries but problematic with lower-paying degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Misericordia University worth the cost?
Misericordia's value depends heavily on your major. Health programs like allied health diagnostics and nursing offer strong returns with median earnings over $90,000, but other programs may struggle to justify the $24,829 annual cost given the overall graduate median earnings of $64,313.
What programs at Misericordia University have the best ROI?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead with $105,465 median earnings, followed by nursing at $96,775. These health-focused programs significantly outperform the university average and can justify the tuition costs.
How much debt do Misericordia University graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $26,973, which is manageable for health program graduates earning $90,000+ but potentially burdensome for those in lower-paying fields earning closer to the $64,313 average.
Does Misericordia University have good financial aid?
The net price of $24,829 represents some discount from full tuition, but this private university remains expensive. With a 69% graduation rate, nearly one-third of students don't complete their degrees, making the financial risk significant.