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's numbers are weak. You'll pay about $17,000 a year in net price, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns just under $32,000. That's barely above what many jobs pay without any credential at all, so the return on your tuition dollars is thin.
The programs split into two groups. Precision Metal Working and Practical Nursing, both certificates, land in the mid-$30,000s and give you the best shot at earning back your costs. HVAC pays around $30,000. The two lowest earners, Computer Systems Networking and Electrical/Power Transmission Installers, sit in the mid-to-high $20,000s. Note that these are certificate and associate outcomes, not bachelor's degrees. If you enroll here, the credential you pick matters more than the school name.
The specific risk is debt against low pay. Practical Nursing graduates carry over $15,000 in median debt while earning about $34,000, so your loan bill eats into an already modest paycheck. Electrical installers borrow far less, around $5,500, which softens their lower earnings. Look at the debt-to-earnings pairing for your program before signing anything.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $14,300. above $75,000 the price jumps to roughly $22,700 with no discount at the top two brackets. The middle-income squeeze is real here.
This school fits you if you want a specific trade credential fast, plan to work locally in metalworking, nursing, or HVAC, and can keep your borrowing low. The 72.7% graduation rate means most people who start do finish. Look elsewhere if you want a degree that opens higher-paying careers or if the price after aid pushes you toward heavy loans against a $32,000 median.
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.