At $18,934/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton 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) | $18,934 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.9% |
| 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 | $14,151/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,015/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,270/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,235/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,596/yr |
The Risk Factor
31.9% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton 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 Scranton delivers weak financial returns that should give you pause. With a 32% graduation rate, most students leave without a degree while still carrying debt, making this one of the riskier educational investments in Pennsylvania.
The $63,435 median earnings after 10 years look respectable until you consider that only one-third of students actually graduate. If you drop out, you face the worst-case scenario of student debt without the degree to justify it. The $25,000 median debt load becomes particularly problematic when paired with such low completion rates.
Your major choice matters enormously here. Business and engineering programs typically offer the strongest earning potential in northeastern Pennsylvania's job market, while liberal arts degrees provide limited financial upside given the regional economy's focus on healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
This campus works financially for students who meet three criteria: you have strong academic preparation that makes graduation likely, you choose a career-focused major, and you have family support or work experience that reduces dropout risk. If you struggled in high school or need significant academic support, the low retention rate suggests you might not receive adequate help.
The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid indicates limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisite courses at a community college first, then transferring to finish your degree here.
Consider Penn State's main campus or other regional universities if you want better graduation odds. The Scranton campus makes financial sense only if you need the smaller environment and have realistic expectations about the completion challenges you face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton worth the cost?
Penn State Scranton offers decent value with a net price of $18,934 and 10-year earnings of $63,435, but the 32% graduation rate creates real risk of leaving with debt and no degree.
What is the average debt for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton graduates?
Graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable given the $63,435 average earnings after 10 years. However, with only one in three students graduating, many may accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Which programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton have the best job prospects?
As a Penn State branch campus, business and engineering programs typically offer the strongest career outcomes. The low graduation rate suggests students should carefully evaluate their commitment before enrolling in any program.
How does financial aid work at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton?
The net price of $18,934 indicates students receive meaningful financial aid, making this one of the more affordable Penn State options. Students should still budget carefully given the high dropout risk.