Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $138,767/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$104,767/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,512 | $230,708 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $108,478 | $126,506 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $63,005 | $56,055 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,345 | $279,923 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $52,607 | $168,943 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $41,937 | $52,611 |
Analysis
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine delivers strong financial returns for most graduates, with a median income of nearly $139,000 ten years after graduation. The school specializes in health professions, and this focus translates into solid earning power for most programs.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear winner financially, generating nearly $119,000 in annual earnings despite heavy debt loads approaching $231,000. The debt-to-income ratio remains manageable given pharmacy's stable job market in the Philadelphia region. Allied Health programs offer a better debt picture at $126,500 while still delivering $108,000 in earnings.
Medicine graduates face a more complex calculation. While the $280,000 debt load appears daunting against $57,000 early-career earnings, this reflects the residency period before full physician salaries kick in. Your long-term earning potential in medicine justifies this temporary income dip.
Psychology programs present the weakest financial case, with $169,000 in debt against $52,600 in earnings. The math simply does not work unless you secure funding or plan to pursue additional credentials that boost your earning power.
You should consider PCOM if you are committed to healthcare careers and comfortable with professional school debt levels. The school's regional reputation in Philadelphia's substantial healthcare market provides good job placement opportunities. Avoid PCOM if you are exploring non-health fields or are debt-averse, as most programs require significant borrowing.
Look for merit scholarships early in the application process, as they can meaningfully reduce your debt burden in expensive programs like medicine and pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine worth the cost?
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates earn $138,767 annually after 10 years, which is strong for a health-focused institution. However, the return depends heavily on your program choice, with pharmacy and allied health fields significantly outperforming medicine and psychology programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine?
Pharmacy graduates from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine earn the most at $118,512 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $108,478. Medicine graduates surprisingly earn much less at $57,345, likely due to residency training periods affecting the 10-year earnings data.
Does Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine have good financial aid?
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private health sciences school with high tuition costs typical of medical education. Students should carefully research program-specific aid opportunities and consider debt levels against expected earnings in their chosen field.
Is the debt worth it for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates?
Debt risk varies significantly by program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Pharmacy and allied health students typically see better debt-to-income ratios, while psychology graduates earning $52,607 may struggle with typical medical school debt loads.