At $29,843/yr net price, Moravian University graduates earn $61,860/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,860/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,843 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,860/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,860/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,793 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,159/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,546/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,277/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,836/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,453/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,659 | $25,690 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,821 | $27,000 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $35,600 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $26,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
71.1% of students at Moravian University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Moravian University delivers middling financial returns at a premium price point, with significant variation across programs that makes your major choice critical. The $61,860 median earnings after ten years barely justify the $29,843 annual net price, especially when you consider that nearly three-quarters of students don't receive need-based aid.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $64,659 in median earnings with below-average debt loads of $25,690. This program leverages the strong healthcare job market in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region. Business administration falls far short at $40,821 despite carrying $27,000 in debt, making it a questionable investment compared to nursing or programs at lower-cost institutions.
Creative fields present serious financial risks at Moravian. Music and fine arts graduates earn around $35,000 annually while carrying substantial debt, creating difficult repayment scenarios that could last decades. Psychology majors face even worse outcomes at $29,685 in earnings, barely covering basic living expenses in the region.
The 71% graduation rate and 81% retention rate suggest academic support systems work reasonably well, but the limited financial aid availability creates affordability challenges. Only 27% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price.
Moravian makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing and can afford the high net price without excessive borrowing. Students interested in business, creative fields, or psychology should seriously consider lower-cost alternatives that offer better debt-to-earnings ratios. The school's small size and regional focus limit networking opportunities that might otherwise justify the premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moravian University worth the high cost?
Moravian University's $30,000 annual net price leads to moderate returns, with graduates earning $62,000 after 10 years. The nursing programs justify the cost with $65,000 starting salaries, but other majors like psychology and arts show weaker financial outcomes.
What are the best value programs at Moravian University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at Moravian University, with graduates earning around $65,000 annually. Business programs provide decent returns at $41,000, while fine arts and psychology majors face challenging job markets with lower starting salaries.
How much student debt do Moravian University graduates have?
Moravian University graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates financial pressure for graduates in lower-paying fields like arts and psychology.
Does Moravian University have good financial aid?
Moravian University's net price of $30,000 suggests limited financial aid effectiveness for most families. The 71% graduation rate indicates some students struggle to complete their programs, potentially due to financial constraints.