At $20,710/yr net price, Pennco Tech-Bristol graduates earn $43,493/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,493/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,710 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,493/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,493/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,917 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,411/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,669/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,949/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,582/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,748/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $35,416 | $11,817 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $31,690 | $7,421 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Certificate | $27,822 | $9,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $27,753 | $20,166 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,113 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $22,268 | $9,924 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,140 | $6,035 |
The Risk Factor
78.0% of students at Pennco Tech-Bristol graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 22% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pennco Tech-Bristol delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's median earnings of $43,493 create a reasonable return on the $20,710 annual cost, but this masks significant variation across programs.
HVAC training provides your best financial outcome with $35,416 median earnings and manageable debt of $11,817. Electrical programs also perform well at $31,690 with lower debt loads of $7,421. These skilled trades align well with southeastern Pennsylvania's construction and industrial demand.
Avoid the automotive program despite its popularity. Vehicle maintenance graduates earn just $27,753 while carrying $20,166 in debt, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio. Medical assisting shows even weaker returns at $23,113, barely exceeding the poverty line for many Pennsylvania regions.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program selection rather than overall school quality. The 78% graduation rate indicates strong support systems, but choosing the wrong major can saddle you with debt that your earnings cannot support.
Pennco Tech works financially if you target high-demand trades and live locally to minimize housing costs. The school serves students seeking quick entry into stable blue-collar careers without four-year degree requirements. However, you should look elsewhere if you want higher earning potential or prefer white-collar work.
With 55.5% of students receiving financial aid and relatively low median debt of $7,917, the school keeps costs manageable for most programs. Focus on HVAC or electrical training to maximize your investment while avoiding automotive and healthcare programs that underperform financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennco Tech-Bristol worth the cost?
Pennco Tech-Bristol graduates earn $43,493 annually after 10 years, which is modest for a $20,710 yearly cost. The low median debt of $7,917 and 78% graduation rate help offset the limited earning potential.
Which Pennco Tech-Bristol programs have the best ROI?
HVAC programs offer the strongest returns at $35,416 annually, followed by electrical work at $31,690. Medical assisting pays only $23,113, making it the weakest financial choice at this school.
How much debt do Pennco Tech-Bristol students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $7,917, which is relatively low for trade school. This manageable debt load makes the school more financially viable despite moderate graduate earnings.
Do Pennco Tech-Bristol graduates struggle to find jobs?
With a 78% graduation rate, most students complete their programs successfully. However, earning $43,493 after 10 years suggests limited career advancement compared to other technical fields.