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 gives you a mixed financial picture built on one glaring weakness: only 27% of students who start here finish. That number is the biggest risk you take by enrolling. If you graduate, the outcome looks reasonable , median earnings ten years out land above $63,000, and typical debt at $25,000 stays below that first-year salary. But the low graduation rate means a large share of students leave with debt and no degree to pay it off, which is the worst financial position a college can put you in.
The retention gap tells the same story. Roughly a third of students don't return for a second year. Before you commit, ask what support exists to keep you enrolled, because the biggest driver of your return here is simply finishing.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $7,681 a year , roughly a third of what families over $110,000 pay at $22,642. The jump happens above $48,000 in family income, where the price nearly doubles from the bottom tier. If you sit in the $75,000-$110,000 range, you're paying close to $19,000 a year for a school where most entrants don't graduate, which changes the math considerably.
This school fits you if you qualify for the lower net-price tiers, plan to transfer into University Park's larger program menu, and are confident you'll stay enrolled. If you're a middle- or upper-income family paying the higher tiers, or you're unsure about finishing, the low completion rate makes this a gamble you should weigh against cheaper or more stable options.
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.