At $18,922/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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) | $18,922 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,688 |
| 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) | 11.4% |
| 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 | $11,304/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,138/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,735/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,962/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,237/yr |
The Risk Factor
11.4% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 York delivers mixed financial returns hampered by an alarmingly low 11.40% graduation rate that undermines any potential earnings benefit. While graduates who complete their degree earn $63,435 ten years out with manageable $25,000 in median debt, the overwhelming majority of students never reach graduation to capture those returns.
The numbers reveal a campus where most students either transfer to main campus after two years or drop out entirely. This creates significant financial risk since you bear the full cost of attendance without earning the Penn State degree that drives the salary outcomes. Your $18,922 annual net price becomes a poor investment if you join the nearly 90% who don't graduate from York.
Penn State York functions primarily as a feeder campus for students planning to transfer to University Park after completing general education requirements. This strategy can work financially if you secure guaranteed transfer admission and complete your degree at the main campus. However, staying at York for a full four-year degree appears financially risky given the graduation statistics.
You should consider Penn State York only if you have a clear transfer plan to University Park or another four-year institution. Students seeking a traditional four-year campus experience or those uncertain about their academic direction face poor odds of degree completion here. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities, making this primarily a pay-as-you-go option for families seeking an affordable entry point into the Penn State system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York worth the cost?
Penn State York has mixed value with a low graduation rate of 11% despite reasonable costs around $19,000 annually. The 10-year earnings average of $63,435 is solid, but the extremely low completion rate means most students may not finish their degree.
What is the job market like for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York graduates?
Graduates who complete their degree at Penn State York earn about $63,435 after 10 years, which is decent for a regional campus. However, with only 11% of students graduating, most enrollees don't reach this earning potential.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York students typically have?
Students at Penn State York graduate with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. The bigger concern is the 89% of students who don't graduate but may still accumulate debt.
Should I choose Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York over other schools?
Penn State York makes sense mainly as a lower-cost option to start college or for students planning to transfer to the main campus. The 11% graduation rate suggests most students either transfer or drop out, making it risky as a four-year plan.