At $7,454/yr net price, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College graduates earn $38,752/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,752/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,454 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,752/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,752/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,482/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,985/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,936/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,577/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,532/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $34,420 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,816 | $9,664 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $24,615 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $22,834 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,268 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $10,105 |
The Risk Factor
40.9% of students at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College 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 Highlands Community College delivers modest returns at a reasonable cost, though your career prospects depend heavily on program choice. At $7,454 annually, the school keeps expenses low, but the 40.9% graduation rate means many students leave without credentials.
Drafting and design engineering technology stands out as the clear winner, generating $42,682 in median earnings that justify the investment. Allied health programs also provide solid returns at $34,420, making these technical fields your best financial bets at this institution. Computer science trails significantly at $30,228, suggesting the program may lack the depth or industry connections found elsewhere.
Criminal justice and accounting programs show concerning returns. Criminal justice graduates earn just $28,816 despite carrying $9,664 in debt, while accounting majors face even steeper challenges at $25,194 in earnings. These programs essentially trap you in low-wage work that barely improves upon high school outcomes.
The school works best if you need affordable technical training in drafting or healthcare while staying local. The low 18.85% financial aid rate suggests most students pay out of pocket, making the modest sticker price important. However, the poor graduation rate indicates weak student support systems that could derail your plans.
Skip this school if you want computer science training or business credentials that employers respect. The rural Pennsylvania job market limits opportunities, particularly for graduates in weaker programs. Consider this option only if you need specific technical skills, can commit to completion despite limited support, and plan to work locally in manufacturing or healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania Highlands Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,454 per year and median earnings of $38,752 ten years after graduation, Pennsylvania Highlands offers reasonable value for a community college. The low cost and manageable debt levels make it a financially sound choice, though the 41% graduation rate indicates completion challenges.
What are the best paying programs at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College?
Drafting and Design Engineering Technology graduates earn the highest median salary at $42,682, followed by Allied Health programs at $34,420. Criminal Justice and Accounting programs show lower returns at around $25,000-$29,000 annually.
How much student debt do Pennsylvania Highlands Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,000, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load combined with the school's affordable tuition helps graduates avoid the heavy debt burdens seen at many four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College?
Only 41% of students graduate, which is below the national community college average. This low completion rate means many students may not finish their programs and could struggle to see returns on their investment.