At $16,685/yr net price, Pennsylvania Institute of Technology graduates earn $35,703/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,703/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,685 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,703/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,703/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 39.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,741/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,997/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,290/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $43,000 | $14,750 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $32,029 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $25,615 | $17,584 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,791 | $7,876 |
The Risk Factor
32.6% of students at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to recommend for most students. With median earnings of just $35,703 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate below 33%, you face significant risks of either not finishing your degree or earning less than many high school graduates with technical training.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, producing graduates who earn $43,000 annually with relatively low debt of $14,750. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that makes the program worth considering if you're committed to nursing.
Every other program presents concerning financial outcomes. Electrical engineering technology graduates earn just $32,029, while medical assisting programs produce graduates earning as little as $20,791. These earnings barely justify the time and money investment, especially when community colleges often offer similar programs at lower costs with better job placement rates in the Philadelphia region.
The low graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. With only one in three students completing their programs, you have a high chance of accumulating debt without earning a degree. This makes PIT particularly risky if you have any doubts about your commitment or academic preparation.
You should only consider PIT if you're specifically interested in the nursing program and have exhausted more affordable options. The school works best for students who need the flexibility of a smaller private institution and can afford the risk of the low graduation rates. Anyone seeking strong earning potential or reliable degree completion should look elsewhere, particularly at regional community colleges or state universities that offer better value in technical fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania Institute of Technology worth the cost?
With graduates earning $35,703 after 10 years and a net price of $16,685 annually, Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers modest returns on investment. The low 33% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs, making it a risky choice for most applicants.
What are the best paying programs at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology?
Practical Nursing graduates earn around $43,000, making it the highest-paying program at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. Electrical Engineering Technology pays about $32,000, while most Allied Health programs start around $20,000-$26,000.
How much debt do Pennsylvania Institute of Technology graduates have?
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology graduates carry a median debt of $16,500, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. However, with average earnings of $35,703, graduates may still struggle to pay off loans quickly.
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology?
Only 33% of students graduate from Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, meaning two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without gaining the credentials needed for better-paying jobs.