At $18,192/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois 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) | $18,192 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,768 |
| 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) | 29.0% |
| 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 | $7,198/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,592/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,179/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,894/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,705/yr |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois 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 DuBois delivers weak financial returns with a 29% graduation rate that undermines any potential earnings gains. Your median debt of $25,000 becomes a heavy burden when nearly three-quarters of students never complete their degree.
The $63,435 median earnings for graduates who do finish represents solid middle-class income for central Pennsylvania, but you face steep odds of reaching that point. The 79% retention rate shows students leave after freshman year at alarming rates, likely due to academic preparation gaps or financial pressures.
Business and engineering technology programs offer your best financial prospects given the regional manufacturing base and proximity to larger Pennsylvania metros. Liberal arts and general studies tracks carry higher dropout risk with limited local career paths. Healthcare programs provide stable regional opportunities but require transfer to complete nursing or other clinical degrees.
This campus works financially if you need a low-cost entry point into the Penn State system with plans to transfer to University Park or other Penn State campuses after two years. The $18,192 net price beats most four-year options, making it viable for students testing college readiness without massive financial commitment.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive support services or diverse program options. The limited financial aid access affects only 25% of students, suggesting most families pay close to sticker price. Merit scholarships remain scarce at this branch campus.
Penn State DuBois makes sense for local students seeking affordable workforce preparation or Penn State system access, but the graduation rate makes it a risky choice for traditional four-year degree seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois worth the cost?
The numbers are mixed - graduates earn $63,435 after 10 years with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable. However, the 29% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky for many applicants.
What is the return on investment for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois?
Graduates who complete their degree see decent returns with median earnings around $63,000, but the extremely low graduation rate of 29% means most students won't see any return. The $18,192 annual net price becomes a poor investment if you don't graduate.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is reasonable compared to the $63,435 median salary 10 years out. The bigger concern is the high dropout rate - students who don't finish still carry debt without the degree benefits.
What programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois have the best job prospects?
As a Penn State branch campus, programs that transfer to University Park for completion in engineering, business, or healthcare typically offer better career outcomes. Students should plan their path carefully given the low overall graduation rate.