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 keeps costs low and debt manageable. At a $7,454 net price with median debt around $11,000, you leave with less borrowing than most four-year students carry after a single year. The tradeoff is modest earnings: ten years out, the typical graduate earns under $40,000, so this is a school that limits your downside more than it maximizes your upside.
The programs pay off unevenly. Drafting and design engineering technology is the clear winner here, clearing $42,000 and tying directly into the machining and manufacturing base around Johnstown. Allied health lands in the mid-$30,000s and feeds a steady regional demand for clinical support work. Accounting sits at the bottom near $25,000, which is weak for a field where the real money usually requires a bachelor's degree and a CPA path this associate doesn't complete.
Criminal justice earns about $28,800 but comes with the lowest debt on the list, so the return holds up even though the salary is low. Computer and information sciences at $30,000 underperforms what you'd expect from a tech credential, a sign that this associate works better as a transfer step than a terminal degree.
The main risk is the 41% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you carry cost and lost time with no credential to show for it. Choose a program with a clear job or transfer target and treat completion as the goal.
This school fits you if you're staying in the Johnstown area, want a career credential in drafting or allied health, or plan to transfer credits cheaply before a four-year degree. If you're under $48,000 in family income, your net price drops below $5,000, which is hard to beat. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $12,500, and the math tightens considerably.
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.