At $14,259/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango 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) | $14,259 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,036 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.0% |
| 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 | $9,852/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,180/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,350/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,671/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,875/yr |
The Risk Factor
23.0% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango 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 Shenango delivers solid earnings potential but comes with significant completion risks that could derail your investment. The low 23% graduation rate means more than three-quarters of students leave without a degree, making this campus one of the riskier bets in the Penn State system.
Your financial outcome depends heavily on whether you actually finish. Graduates earn a respectable median of $63,435 after ten years, which provides reasonable returns on the $14,259 annual net price. The $25,000 median debt load remains manageable for those who complete their programs. However, the 52% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
This campus works best if you need affordable access to Penn State credentials while staying local to western Pennsylvania. The regional job market in manufacturing and healthcare aligns well with Penn State's technical programs. You benefit from the broader Penn State network and degree recognition at a fraction of University Park costs.
Avoid Shenango if you need extensive academic support or campus resources to stay on track. The low retention and graduation rates suggest limited student services compared to larger campuses. You also miss out on the full Penn State experience and alumni connections that come with the main campus.
Financial aid reaches only 41% of students, so expect to cover most costs through family resources or loans. Merit scholarships are limited at this branch campus. Your best strategy involves completing prerequisites here affordably, then potentially transferring to University Park or another Penn State campus for your final years if you want the full university experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango worth the cost?
Penn State Shenango has mixed value with a low net price of $14,259 but concerning outcomes. The 23% graduation rate is extremely low, and median debt of $25,000 combined with $63,435 in 10-year earnings creates a challenging financial picture for many students.
What is the return on investment for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango?
The ROI is weak due to poor graduation rates despite reasonable earnings for graduates. With only 23% of students completing their degree, most students leave without credentials while still carrying debt.
Do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango graduates get good jobs?
Graduates who complete their programs earn $63,435 after 10 years, which is decent for the region. However, the bigger concern is that 77% of students never graduate, making job prospects irrelevant for most who enroll.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango students typically have?
Students who borrow graduate with a median debt of $25,000. Given the low graduation rate, many students likely accumulate debt without earning a degree, making this a high-risk financial investment.