At $20,062/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton 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) | $20,062 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.9% |
| 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 | $15,278/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,247/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,473/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,273/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,468/yr |
The Risk Factor
17.9% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton 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 Hazleton presents a challenging financial picture with a graduation rate of just 18 percent, meaning most students leave without a degree but often with debt. The low completion rate undermines potential returns despite decent median earnings of $63,435 for graduates.
Your biggest financial risk here is not finishing your program. With nearly three-quarters of students dropping out, you face substantial odds of paying tuition costs without gaining the credential needed to access higher-paying careers. The $25,000 median debt level becomes particularly problematic if you join the majority who don't graduate.
Engineering and business programs typically offer the strongest earning potential at Penn State campuses, though specific data for Hazleton's limited program offerings affects your options. As a branch campus, Hazleton serves primarily as a stepping stone to University Park, where most students complete their degrees. This adds complexity to your financial planning since you may face additional transfer costs and housing changes.
The school works best financially if you're local to the Hazleton area and can minimize housing costs while using it as an affordable entry point to the Penn State system. Students planning to transfer to University Park after completing general education requirements may find value in starting here at the lower branch campus tuition rate.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, but merit scholarship opportunities remain limited compared to larger campuses. Your strongest strategy involves treating this as a temporary financial stepping stone rather than expecting strong returns from a degree completed entirely at Hazleton. If you're not confident about transferring to complete your program elsewhere, the financial risks likely outweigh the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton worth the cost?
With a 10-year median salary of $63,435 and net costs around $20,000 annually, Penn State Hazleton offers decent earnings potential relative to cost. However, the extremely low 18% graduation rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, making this a risky investment for students who might struggle to finish.
What is the return on investment for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton graduates?
Graduates earn about $63,435 ten years after enrollment with typical debt of $25,000, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their programs. The key risk is the 18% graduation rate, which means most students never see this return.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton students typically have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is reasonable given graduate earnings of around $63,400. Students should focus heavily on academic support and degree completion since 82% of students don't graduate, leaving them with debt but no degree.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton provide good financial aid?
With a net price of about $20,000 annually, the school offers moderate affordability for a Penn State campus. The real financial risk comes from the low graduation rate rather than high costs.