At $26,084/yr net price, Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates earn $52,567/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,567/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,084 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,336 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,567/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,567/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,961 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,863/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,302/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,543/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,493/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,514/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $27,000 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $66,897 | $28,955 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,990 | $31,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,485 | $26,975 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $26,375 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $27,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $47,260 | $12,000 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $43,798 | $14,250 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $40,461 | $14,250 |
The Risk Factor
50.4% of students at Pennsylvania College of Technology graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Pennsylvania College of Technology offers solid financial returns for technical and healthcare programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine your investment. The 50% graduation rate means half of students leave without degrees, creating significant financial risk.
Construction management and engineering technology graduates earn $67,660 annually with manageable debt loads around $27,000. Nursing programs also perform well, with graduates earning $64,990 to $66,897 while carrying debt between $28,955 and $31,000. Industrial production technology rounds out the strong programs at $60,485 annually.
The school works best if you're certain about pursuing hands-on technical fields and can commit to completing your program. The 76% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college-level work, even in applied programs.
You'll face financial challenges if you're undecided about your major or need significant academic support. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (32%) suggests limited need-based assistance, though this reflects the school's public status and Pennsylvania's funding structure.
Skip this school if you want broad career flexibility or might change majors. The specialized nature of programs means transferring credits elsewhere becomes difficult. You're better served at Penn College if you have clear career goals in construction, manufacturing, healthcare technology, or engineering support roles where the hands-on training directly translates to employment in Pennsylvania's industrial corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania College of Technology worth the cost?
Pennsylvania College of Technology can be worth it if you choose the right program. The construction, engineering technology, and nursing programs show strong returns with graduates earning $64,000-$68,000 annually, but the overall graduate earnings of $52,567 are modest given the $26,084 yearly cost.
What are the best paying majors at Pennsylvania College of Technology?
Building/construction finishing and engineering technologies lead at around $67,660 annually, followed by nursing programs at $64,990-$66,897. These technical programs justify the tuition cost better than the school's other offerings.
How much debt do Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates have?
The median debt is $23,961, which is manageable for graduates in high-paying technical fields but concerning for those in lower-earning programs. With a 50% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Pennsylvania College of Technology have good job placement?
The school focuses on hands-on technical training that employers value, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. However, the 50% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs.