At $23,478/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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) | $23,478 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.3% |
| 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 | $16,081/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,021/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,006/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,911/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,925/yr |
The Risk Factor
29.3% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg gives you mixed financial returns. Median earnings ten years out sit at $63,435, and median debt of $25,000 stays close to one year of net price. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor if you finish. The problem is finishing: a 29.30% graduation rate means most people who enroll do not complete a degree here, and dropping out with debt and no credential is the fastest way to turn this into a bad deal.
The 81.53% retention rate tells a different story from the graduation rate. Most first-year students come back, so the losses pile up later. That gap is the single biggest financial risk you take here. Debt without a diploma still comes due.
Net price scales hard with income. If your family earns under $30k, you pay roughly half what a family over $110k pays. For lower-income families that pricing keeps the total cost manageable against the $63,435 earnings figure. For families in the $75k-$110k range, the jump to nearly $27,000 a year narrows your margin, and the payoff depends entirely on graduating on time.
This school fits you if you are confident you will finish and you want a public-university degree without private-school debt. The median debt load is reasonable and the earnings support it. Look elsewhere if you are unsure about completing a four-year program, because the odds of walking away without a degree are high here, and that scenario leaves you with the cost and none of the return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg worth the debt?
With median debt of $25,000 and 10-year earnings of $63,435, graduates typically earn enough to manage payments reasonably well. However, the 29% graduation rate means many students take on debt without finishing their degree, which significantly worsens the financial outcome.
What is the return on investment for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?
The ROI is mixed due to the extremely low 29% graduation rate, which means most students don't complete their programs. Those who do graduate earn a decent $63,435 after 10 years, but the high dropout risk makes this a financially risky choice for many students.
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg cost compared to earnings?
The net price of $23,478 per year is reasonable compared to the $63,435 median earnings 10 years after enrollment. The main concern is whether you'll actually graduate, since only 3 out of 10 students complete their degree.
Should I attend Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg for the money?
The financial outcome depends entirely on graduation, which happens for less than 30% of students. If you're confident you'll finish your degree and have strong study habits, the earnings potential justifies the cost.