At $22,518/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine 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) | $22,518 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,072 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.3% |
| 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 | $16,792/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,105/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,651/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,445/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,700/yr |
The Risk Factor
21.3% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine 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 Brandywine gives you a mixed financial return with one serious problem you need to see up front. Your median debt sits at $25,000 and ten-year median earnings reach $63,435, so the debt-to-earnings math works out fine on its own. The problem is the 21.30% graduation rate. Only about one in five students finishes, and if you leave with debt but no degree, that earnings number never applies to you.
The retention rate of 72.37% tells you most students come back for a second year, so the gap between retention and graduation means the losses come later, not in the first year. That is the specific risk here: you may pay for several years, transfer or drop out, and end up with loans and no credential. Since this campus feeds into the larger Penn State system, some of that attrition is students moving to University Park, but you cannot count on that outcome for yourself.
No program-level salary data is listed, so treat the $63,435 median as a whole-campus figure, not a promise tied to any major you might pick.
On price, your family income changes the deal sharply. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay around $16,000 a year, well below the sticker figure. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $28,700, and the jump between the $48-75k and $75-110k tiers is roughly $5,000. Middle-income families see the least discount relative to what higher earners pay.
This school fits you if you are confident you will finish, ideally with a clear path into or through the Penn State system. If you have any doubt about completing a four-year degree, the graduation rate should give you pause before you borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine worth the cost?
With average earnings of $63,435 ten years after graduation and net costs around $22,518 per year, the financial return is reasonable but hindered by a concerning 21% graduation rate. Students who complete their degree typically see decent returns, but the high dropout risk makes this a risky investment for many.
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine?
Only 21% of students graduate from Penn State Brandywine, which is extremely low even for regional campuses. This means nearly 8 out of 10 students leave without a degree but may still carry student debt.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable given the $63,435 average earnings ten years out. However, the bigger concern is the high number of students who drop out and may still have debt without the degree to justify it.
Should I choose Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine over other schools?
Consider this campus primarily if you need the flexibility of a regional location and plan to transfer to main campus or another Penn State branch. The 96% acceptance rate means it's accessible, but focus on programs that transfer well since completion rates are problematic.