At $17,147/yr net price, Penn Commercial Business/Technical School graduates earn $31,736/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,147 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,588 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,736/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,264/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,638 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,327/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,120/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,306/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,653/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,653/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,704 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $15,389 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $27,439 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $25,194 | $5,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $21,312 | $7,638 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $20,596 | |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $17,242 |
The Risk Factor
72.7% of students at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Penn Commercial delivers modest returns that vary dramatically by program choice. Your earning potential ranges from $25,000 to nearly $35,000 annually depending on your major, making program selection the most critical financial decision you'll face here.
Precision Metal Working and Practical Nursing offer the strongest payoffs, with graduates earning over $33,000 annually. The nursing program carries higher debt at $15,389, but the stable healthcare job market in southwestern Pennsylvania supports this investment. HVAC technology also provides solid returns given the consistent demand for skilled technicians in the region.
Avoid the Electrical and Power Transmission program, which produces the lowest earnings despite requiring similar time investment. Computer networking shows weaker returns than you might expect for a tech-focused program.
The school's 73% graduation rate indicates reasonable completion odds, but the modest median earnings of $31,736 mean you're looking at entry-level technical wages rather than high-growth career trajectories. With 45% of students receiving aid, financial support exists but isn't universal.
This school works best if you need local training for specific trades and can avoid heavy borrowing. The relatively low median debt of $11,638 keeps monthly payments manageable, but only if you complete your program and find steady work. You should look elsewhere if you want higher earning potential or broader career flexibility. Penn Commercial serves students seeking practical skills for immediate employment in traditional blue-collar sectors, not those pursuing upward mobility or technology careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penn Commercial Business/Technical School worth the money?
Penn Commercial's $17,147 annual cost leads to median earnings of $31,736 ten years after graduation, which is below average for technical schools. The relatively low debt of $11,638 helps, but graduates earn less than many other trade school programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School?
Precision Metal Working graduates earn the most at $34,704 annually, followed by Practical Nursing at $33,993. HVAC programs pay $30,409, while electrical and networking programs fall below $28,000.
How much debt do Penn Commercial Business/Technical School graduates have?
The median debt is $11,638, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, with starting salaries around $31,736, graduates still face a debt-to-income ratio that requires careful budgeting.
Does Penn Commercial Business/Technical School have good job placement?
The school has a 72.7% graduation rate, but specific job placement data isn't available. Given the below-average earnings outcomes, graduates may struggle more than those from higher-performing technical programs to find well-paying positions.