At $14,721/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny 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) | $14,721 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,884 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.4% |
| 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 | $7,681/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,901/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,905/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,848/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,642/yr |
The Risk Factor
27.4% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny 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 Greater Allegheny presents a concerning financial picture with the lowest graduation rate in the Penn State system at just 27%. This means nearly three-quarters of students who start here don't finish their degree, creating substantial financial risk for your investment.
The $63,435 median earnings after 10 years provide decent returns for graduates who complete their programs, particularly given the relatively low $14,721 annual net price. However, the graduation rate severely undermines this potential. You're essentially gambling that you'll be among the minority who actually earn a degree.
The school's greatest strength lies in providing Penn State credentials at a fraction of the cost of University Park. If you complete your degree here, you benefit from the Penn State alumni network and brand recognition in Pennsylvania's job market. The $25,000 median debt level remains manageable for those who graduate.
This campus works best as a financial strategy for students planning to transfer to University Park after completing general education requirements. The lower costs during your first two years can significantly reduce your total debt load. However, if you're planning to complete your entire degree here, the poor retention and graduation rates suggest many students struggle academically or financially.
You should seriously consider other options if you have admission to Penn State's main campus or other state universities with stronger completion rates. The financial risk of not graduating outweighs the potential savings. Only choose Greater Allegheny if you have a clear transfer plan or strong confidence in your ability to succeed where most students don't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your major and career goals. With a low 27% graduation rate and median earnings of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, many students struggle to complete their degrees and see strong financial returns.
What is the job market like for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $63,435 annually ten years after starting college, which is below average for Penn State campuses. The school's regional location in McKeesport limits local job opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $25,000, which is manageable relative to post-graduation earnings. However, the bigger concern is the 27% graduation rate, meaning most students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny?
The primary risk is not graduating at all, given that nearly three-quarters of students don't complete their degrees. Students who don't finish face debt without the earning power that comes with a bachelor's degree.