At $11,401/yr net price, Peru State College graduates earn $47,071/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,071/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,401 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,071/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,071/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,875 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,266/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,226/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,899/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,364/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,079/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $49,612 | $16,234 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,207 | $19,434 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $36,041 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $20,841 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $21,677 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
The Risk Factor
37.7% of students at Peru State College 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
Peru State College delivers weak financial returns that should give you serious pause. With median 10-year earnings of $47,071 against a net price of $11,401 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches uncomfortably long, especially when factored against the school's troubling 37% graduation rate.
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations stands out as the clear winner with $64,493 in median earnings, making it the only program that justifies the investment. Curriculum and Instruction offers decent returns at $49,612 with relatively low debt of $16,234. Business Administration provides middle-ground earnings of $45,207, but Criminal Justice graduates earn just $39,369 while carrying $25,000 in debt. Special Education majors face the worst financial outcome at $36,041 annually.
The 62% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled, creating additional financial risk if you need extra semesters to graduate. The rural Nebraska location limits local job opportunities, meaning you may need to relocate after graduation, adding moving costs to your financial burden.
Peru State works financially only if you're committed to entrepreneurship or education and can graduate within four years. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities. If you're considering Criminal Justice or Special Education, look elsewhere for better financial outcomes. The school's rock-bottom tuition makes it tempting, but the graduation and retention rates indicate systemic problems that could derail your degree completion and job prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peru State College worth the cost compared to other Nebraska schools?
Peru State College has a relatively low net price at $11,401 per year, but graduates earn just $47,071 annually after 10 years. The 37.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees, making the investment risky for many.
What programs at Peru State College have the best job prospects?
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations graduates earn $64,493 annually, making it the strongest program financially. Business Administration and Curriculum and Instruction also show decent returns, while Criminal Justice and Special Education graduates earn below the school average.
How much debt do Peru State College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $21,875, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, with average earnings of $47,071, graduates will need about 5-6 years to pay off loans if they follow standard repayment plans.
Should I consider Peru State College if I'm worried about college costs?
Peru State College is affordable upfront, but the low graduation rate is a major concern. If you're committed to finishing and choose a higher-paying program like business, it can work, but many students don't complete their degrees here.