At $17,818/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington graduates earn $63,435/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,435/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,818 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,668/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,725/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,120/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,575/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,043/yr |
The Risk Factor
22.2% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington 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
Penn State Abington gives you a mixed financial picture with one number that should stop you: a 22.2% graduation rate. You pay around $18,000 a year and can expect roughly $63,000 in median earnings ten years out, which is a solid wage. But that return only exists if you finish, and fewer than one in four students here do. The gap between the 77% first-year retention rate and the 22% graduation rate tells you people stick around at first, then leave before earning the degree.
The debt side is the reassuring part. A $25,000 median debt against $63,000 in earnings is manageable, and if you graduate, the math works in your favor. The problem is that the low completion rate means many of you will carry debt without ever getting the degree that pays it off. Borrowing for a school where most students don't finish is the specific risk here.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there is no way to point you toward which majors pay off and which don't at this campus. Judge programs on your own before enrolling.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay about $12,700 a year. Above $110,000, that jumps to roughly $26,000. The steepest climb hits the $75,000-$110,000 band, where price rises to $23,575.
This school fits you if you are confident you will graduate and want a Penn State degree at a commuter-campus price. If you are unsure about finishing or borrowing, the 22% graduation rate makes this a gamble, and you should look at schools where more students cross the finish line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington worth the cost?
Penn State Abington's value depends heavily on your program and transfer plans. With a 22% graduation rate and $63,435 median earnings after 10 years, the ROI is below average for a Penn State campus.
What is the job market like for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington graduates?
Graduates earn around $63,435 ten years after starting college, which is decent for the region. However, the extremely low 22% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees at all.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable given the $63,435 starting salary for those who graduate. The bigger risk is the high dropout rate, which leaves students with debt but no degree.
Should I choose Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington over other colleges?
Consider Penn State Abington mainly if you plan to transfer to University Park or need a local option. The low graduation rate and open admissions suggest many students struggle to complete their programs here.