At $18,657/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver 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) | $18,657 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.2% |
| 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 | $10,180/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,787/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,073/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,906/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,301/yr |
The Risk Factor
21.2% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver 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 Beaver gives you a mixed financial picture built on one glaring weakness: only about 1 in 5 students finish here. That 21% graduation rate is the single biggest risk you take by enrolling, because the $63,435 median earnings figure applies to people who actually walked away with a degree. If you drop out, you keep the debt and lose the payoff.
For those who do graduate, the math works. A $25,000 median debt against $63,435 in earnings ten years out is a manageable ratio, and it beats what many public four-year schools deliver. The Penn State name carries across Pennsylvania's job market, and Beaver sits in the Pittsburgh metro area, which gives you real access to regional employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and business.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $10,180 a year, and the $30-48k tier lands near $12,787. But the jump is steep once you cross $75k: the price nearly doubles to $22,906, and over $110k you pay $24,301. Middle and upper-middle families should compare that against the main University Park campus and other state options before committing.
This campus fits you if you qualify for the lower price tiers, plan to finish in two years and transfer up, or know exactly what you want to study and will graduate. The 75.6% retention rate means a quarter of your classmates won't return after year one, so your own follow-through is what determines whether this pays off. If you're unsure you'll finish, the low graduation rate makes the debt a genuine gamble, and you should look at options with stronger completion numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver worth the cost?
With a 21% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, Penn State Beaver presents significant financial risk for most students. The 10-year earnings of $63,435 don't justify the cost and debt load for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver?
Penn State Beaver has a 21.2% graduation rate, meaning nearly 4 out of 5 students don't finish their degree. This creates substantial debt risk without the earning potential that comes with completing a bachelor's degree.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver graduates have?
The median debt at Penn State Beaver is $25,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree to pay it back.
What programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver have good job prospects?
As a branch campus with limited program offerings, Penn State Beaver functions primarily as a transfer pathway to main campus rather than a destination for career-focused programs. Students should plan to complete their degree elsewhere for better ROI.