At $22,951/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College 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) | $22,951 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,804 |
| 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) | 45.7% |
| 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 | $14,702/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,905/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,588/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,800/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,572/yr |
The Risk Factor
45.7% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Penn State Behrend gives you a solid financial return. At about $23,000 a year net, you graduate with $25,000 in median debt and hit $63,435 in median earnings ten years out. That earnings figure clears the debt load by a wide margin, so the math works in your favor if you finish.
Finishing is the catch. The 45.7% graduation rate means fewer than half of you cross the finish line in the standard window, even though 82% of you come back for a second year. The gap between those two numbers is where the risk sits. If you take on the debt and leave without the degree, you carry the $25,000 without the earnings that justify it.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $15,000 a year, roughly half the sticker price. Above $110,000, you pay close to $30,000. The jump between the $48-75k tier and the $75-110k tier is the steepest, moving from $19,588 to $25,800, so families in that middle band feel the cost most sharply relative to the aid they get.
Behrend is a good fit for you if you're paying the lower-income net price and confident you'll graduate. Erie's job market and Penn State's engineering and business reputation support the $63,435 median, but that median hides wide variation the data doesn't break out by major here. Look elsewhere if your family lands in the $75,000-plus tiers and you're unsure about finishing, because you'd be paying near full price against a coin-flip graduation rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $63,435 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $25,000, Penn State Erie provides decent financial returns. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts the value proposition.
What is the ROI for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduates?
Penn State Erie graduates typically earn enough to justify the $25,000 median debt load, with 10-year earnings of $63,435. The main risk is the low graduation rate, which leaves nearly half of students with debt but no degree.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College have good financial aid?
The net price of $22,951 per year is reasonable for a state school, but financial aid varies widely by family income. Students should compare aid packages carefully since the 95% acceptance rate means merit aid is limited.
What are the highest paying majors at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College?
Engineering and business programs typically offer the best returns at Penn State Erie, aligning with the school's strengths in these fields. Liberal arts and education majors may struggle to reach the $63,435 average earnings figure.