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 puts you in a tough spot financially. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns about $35,700, which is close to what many workers make without any degree at all. You pay roughly $16,700 a year net to get there, so the return on that spending is weak.
The graduation rate is the first red flag. Fewer than a third of students finish, so the most likely outcome is that you leave with debt and no credential. If you borrow the median $16,500 and don't graduate, you carry the cost of college with none of the earnings bump a degree is supposed to buy.
The net price tiers add a specific risk here. If your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay the most at over $19,000 a year, more than families earning under $30,000 pay. That middle-income group gets the worst deal at this school, so run your own aid numbers before committing.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to point you toward a major that pays off versus one that doesn't. Pick a program only after you see its own placement and salary data directly from the school.
This school makes financial sense for you only if you have a clear path to a specific credential, can finish quickly, and keep borrowing near or below the median debt. If you're paying full net price with no aid, or you're in that $48-75k income band, the earnings on the other side don't justify the cost. Look at cheaper community college or state options first.
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.