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 delivers weak financial returns despite the Penn State brand name. With median earnings of $63,435 ten years after graduation and a net price of $22,518 annually, you face a concerning 21% graduation rate that severely undermines any potential ROI.
The low graduation rate creates significant financial risk. With fewer than one in four students completing their degree, you have a high probability of accumulating debt without earning credentials. The 72% retention rate shows students leaving after freshman year, often with loan obligations but no degree to show for it.
As a branch campus of Penn State's system, Brandywine offers access to popular programs like business and engineering, but the weak completion rates suggest students struggle with the academic transition or transfer to main campus. If you do graduate, the Penn State network provides decent earning potential in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
This school works best as a stepping stone if you plan to transfer to Penn State's main campus after two years. The lower admission standards and smaller class sizes can help you build academic confidence before moving to University Park. However, if you intend to complete your entire degree at Brandywine, the graduation statistics should give you serious pause.
Only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships are minimal at branch campuses compared to the main campus. Your best cost strategy involves completing general education requirements here before transferring, but only if you have a concrete plan and strong academic discipline to avoid becoming part of the 79% who never finish.
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.