At $19,352/yr net price, Pennsylvania Western University graduates earn $47,295/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,295/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,352 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,295/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,295/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,725 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,651/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,059/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,863/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,147/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,265/yr |
The Risk Factor
51.0% of students at Pennsylvania Western University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Pennsylvania Western University gives you a modest but real financial return. At roughly $19,000 a year net, the price stays in reach for a public school, and median earnings of $47,295 a decade out clear the cost of a four-year run without leaving you buried. The median debt of $23,725 is close to a single year's earnings, which is a manageable load if you finish.
Finishing is the catch. A 51% graduation rate means about half of you leave without the degree that makes the math work, and a 70% retention rate says the drop-off starts early, after freshman year. Debt without a diploma is the worst outcome here, and it's a real risk at this school. The earnings figure describes people who graduated. it says nothing about what happens to you if you're in the half that doesn't.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $15,000 a year, roughly $9,000 less than families over $110,000. That gap makes PennWest a stronger deal the less your family earns. At the top income tier you're paying near the full $24,000, and the return looks thinner against that number.
No program-level salary data is listed here, so treat the $47,295 median as a school-wide average, not a promise for any specific major. Earnings vary widely by field, and this figure blends higher- and lower-paying paths together.
This school fits you if you qualify for the lower price tiers, you're confident you'll graduate, and you want a regional public degree at a moderate cost. Look harder elsewhere if you'd be paying the top-tier price or if you're unsure about finishing, because the graduation odds make borrowing here a gamble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania Western University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $47,295 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $19,352 per year, Pennsylvania Western University offers moderate ROI. The relatively low debt burden of $23,725 helps, but the 51% graduation rate means half of students don't complete their degrees.
What is the return on investment for Pennsylvania Western University graduates?
Pennsylvania Western University graduates earn about $47,295 annually ten years post-enrollment, which is below the national average for four-year college graduates. The school's affordable tuition helps offset lower earnings, making it a reasonable choice for students seeking an accessible education with manageable debt.
How much debt do Pennsylvania Western University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Pennsylvania Western University graduates is $23,725, which is below the national average. This lower debt load helps improve the overall value proposition despite modest post-graduation earnings.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Pennsylvania Western University?
Pennsylvania Western University graduates earn $47,295 on average ten years after enrollment, which reflects the school's focus on accessible education rather than high-earning career tracks. The school's programs in education and social services tend to offer stable employment but lower salaries.