At $19,450/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly 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) | $19,450 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
| 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 | $13,828/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,295/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,109/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,838/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,244/yr |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly 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
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The 33.5% graduation rate means two out of three students will leave without a degree but often with debt.
Your biggest financial risk at Penn State Fayette is not graduating. The low completion rate combined with regional job market limitations creates a scenario where you could end up with debt but no credential to show for it. The 73.7% retention rate signals that many students recognize early this campus may not be the right fit.
The median earnings of $63,435 after ten years provide modest returns relative to the annual cost, but this figure only reflects graduates. Non-completers face much worse financial outcomes in the southwestern Pennsylvania job market, which has limited high-paying opportunities outside of healthcare and energy.
This campus works financially for students who need a local option and have strong academic preparation to ensure graduation. If you can transfer to University Park or another Penn State campus after two years, you may improve your ROI while starting affordably. Students interested in business or health sciences have better regional job prospects than those pursuing liberal arts.
Look elsewhere if you have other affordable four-year options or can access Penn State's main campus directly. The combination of low graduation rates and limited regional economic opportunities makes this a poor choice unless you have compelling reasons to stay local and strong confidence in your ability to complete your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly worth the cost?
With a 33.5% graduation rate and median earnings of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, Penn State Fayette offers mixed value. Students who graduate typically see decent returns, but the low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
What is the average debt for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly graduates?
Graduates from Penn State Fayette carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the $63,435 median earnings for those who complete their programs. However, students who don't graduate often face debt without the degree to justify it.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly have good job outcomes?
Penn State Fayette graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, which provides reasonable returns for the $19,450 annual net price. The challenge is that only about one in three students actually graduate to see these outcomes.
What are the biggest risks of attending Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly?
The primary risk is the 33.5% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students don't finish their degrees. Students who don't graduate often leave with debt but without the credentials needed to access higher-paying jobs.