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
Penn College sits in the middle on financial return: a $26,084 net price against $52,567 median earnings ten years out means the degree pays back, but slowly. Your debt at graduation runs around $23,961, roughly half a year's median pay, which is manageable if you land in the right program.
The applied and technical majors are where this school earns its keep. Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection and Engineering Technologies both hit $67,660, well above the school median and enough to clear the $27,000 in debt the construction program carries. Registered Nursing pays $64,990, though it comes with the heaviest debt load at $31,000. Industrial Production Technologies pays $60,485 on lighter debt near $27,000, making it one of the cleaner returns here.
Civil Engineering Technologies is the outlier to watch. At $52,941, it pays barely above the school median while carrying $26,375 in debt, so the payoff is thinner than the other technical tracks. If you enroll expecting engineering-technology money, check that number before you commit.
The real risk is finishing. Only half of students graduate, and 24% don't return after year one. You take on the debt whether or not you get the degree, and dropping out leaves you paying it back on non-graduate wages.
This school fits you if you want a hands-on technical or trade credential and plan to work in Pennsylvania's construction, manufacturing, or healthcare sectors. If you want a general liberal-arts path, look elsewhere.
Net price barely moves by income. Families under $30k pay $21,863, only about $8,600 less than families over $110k. If you're low-income, this is not a deeply discounted option, so weigh the sticker against cheaper in-state alternatives.
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.