At $21,228/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill 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) | $21,228 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.7% |
| 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 | $13,752/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,885/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,182/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,192/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,569/yr |
The Risk Factor
20.7% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill delivers weak financial returns that should concern prospective students. The 20.7% graduation rate means four out of five students leave without a degree, making this one of the poorest completion rates among four-year institutions.
Your median debt of $25,000 paired with median earnings of $63,435 creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for graduates, but only if you actually graduate. The low completion rate suggests most students accumulate debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs.
The campus functions as a Penn State branch, meaning you pay nearly full Penn State prices for a limited program selection and reduced networking opportunities. Engineering and business programs typically offer the strongest earnings potential within the Penn State system, but Schuylkill's limited offerings may not include the most lucrative concentrations.
You should consider this school only if you need the flexibility of a small campus close to home and have strong academic preparation that makes you likely to transfer successfully to University Park or complete your degree here. The 81.9% retention rate shows students generally like the experience initially, but something derails degree completion for most.
Financial aid covers a relatively small percentage of students at 37.6%, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves treating Schuylkill as a stepping stone to University Park, where you can access better career services and alumni networks that justify the Penn State price tag.
Students seeking affordable education with strong job placement should look at community colleges or regional universities with higher graduation rates. The Penn State name alone does not offset the completion risk here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill worth the cost?
With a 20.7% graduation rate and median debt of $25,000, Penn State Schuylkill presents significant value concerns for most students. The school's completion rate is well below national averages, meaning many students leave with debt but no degree.
What is the return on investment for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill?
Graduates earn a median of $63,435 after 10 years, which is reasonable for the region but comes with high risk given the low graduation rate. Students who complete their degree typically see decent returns, but most students don't finish.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable if you graduate and find steady employment. However, with only 1 in 5 students completing their degree, many leave with debt and no credential to show for it.
What programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill have the best job prospects?
As a Penn State campus, business and engineering technology programs typically offer the strongest career outcomes. Students should focus on programs that transfer easily to main campus or lead directly to employment in the local market.