At $15,775/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre 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) | $15,775 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.7% |
| 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 | $9,544/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,092/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,764/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,763/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,827/yr |
The Risk Factor
16.7% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre 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
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre delivers solid earnings outcomes despite concerning graduation challenges. Your median earnings of $63,435 after ten years provide a reasonable return on the $15,775 annual net price, but only if you complete your degree.
The 16.7% graduation rate represents the school's biggest financial risk. This means most students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. If you transfer to complete your bachelor's elsewhere, factor in additional costs and time. The 79% retention rate shows most students return for sophomore year, suggesting the completion problems emerge later in the program.
Your $25,000 median debt load stays manageable relative to earning potential, creating monthly payments around $280 after graduation. The school serves primarily as an affordable entry point into the Penn State system, making it financially sensible for students planning to transfer to University Park or other Penn State campuses.
This campus works best financially if you have a clear transfer plan or intend to complete an associate degree. Avoid this option if you need extensive academic support or prefer smaller class environments, as the low completion rates suggest these resources may be limited. Students uncertain about their major should consider starting elsewhere, given the risk of leaving without credentials.
The 38% of students receiving aid indicates limited financial assistance opportunities beyond federal programs. Merit scholarships appear scarce, so your net price calculation likely reflects your actual cost. Pennsylvania residents benefit most from the in-state tuition advantage, while out-of-state students should compare costs carefully against regional alternatives with stronger completion records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre worth the cost?
With a 10-year median salary of $63,435 and net costs around $15,775 annually, the financial return is reasonable but heavily dependent on completing your degree. The 16.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making this a high-risk investment for many.
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre and why does it matter?
Only 16.7% of students graduate from Penn State Wilkes-Barre, one of the lowest rates among Penn State campuses. Students who don't graduate often carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying jobs, making the cost-benefit calculation much worse.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable given the $63,435 median earnings after 10 years. However, this only applies to the small percentage who actually graduate.
What programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre offer the best return on investment?
As a branch campus offering mainly first and second-year courses, Penn State Wilkes-Barre functions primarily as a stepping stone to other Penn State locations for degree completion. The ROI depends largely on successfully transferring and finishing a degree elsewhere in the system.