At $19,522/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington 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) | $19,522 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,088 |
| 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) | 24.4% |
| 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 | $12,821/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,580/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,165/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,096/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,058/yr |
The Risk Factor
24.4% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington 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 New Kensington gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky because of one number: only about a quarter of students finish. That 24% graduation rate is the single biggest threat to your return here. The payoff data assumes you leave with a degree, and three out of four students who start don't cross that line on time. If you're the one who does graduate, the numbers work in your favor , median earnings a decade out sit above $63,000, and typical debt of $25,000 stays below that first-year salary, which is the ratio you want.
The retention rate of about 77% tells you most people come back for a second year, so the dropoff happens later in the pipeline. That gap between staying and finishing is where your money gets exposed. You can borrow, complete a year or two, and leave without the degree that justifies the debt. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you'll finish, because a partial degree here still costs you full tuition.
Net price scales hard with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay roughly $12,800 a year. over $110,000, you pay about $24,000 , nearly double. Lower-income families get meaningful discounts, and with a 31% Pell rate, this campus serves a lot of them. For a middle-income family in the $48-75k band paying around $18,000 a year, the math depends entirely on graduating.
This school fits you if you're commuting locally, keeping costs down, and confident you'll finish. If there's real doubt about completion, or if you'd need heavy loans to attend, look at cheaper or higher-completion options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington worth the cost?
With a 24% graduation rate and median earnings of $63,435 ten years after starting, Penn State New Kensington offers mixed value. The low graduation rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't finish.
What is the job market like for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington graduates?
Graduates who complete their degrees earn around $63,435 annually after ten years, which is reasonable for a regional campus. However, the 24% graduation rate means most students never reach this earning potential.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to the $63,435 median earnings for graduates. The real risk is not graduating at all, given that three out of four students don't finish their degree.
Should I choose Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington over other schools?
Consider this campus only if you're confident you'll graduate, as the 24% completion rate is extremely low. The net price of $19,522 per year is reasonable, but paying for multiple years without earning a degree makes it expensive.