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 posts a median 10-year earning near $139,000, which is strong money for a graduate. But that number reflects what this school actually is: a medical and health professions school built around osteopathic medicine and graduate-level clinical training. The high salary comes from doctoral and professional credentials, not from an undergraduate degree you can walk in and start.
That distinction matters for you. If you are looking at PCOM, you are almost certainly looking at a DO program, a graduate health science degree, or a similar clinical track. The payoff here is real for that path, since the regional Philadelphia and mid-Atlantic market has steady demand for physicians and licensed health professionals, and osteopathic physicians earn on par with the broader doctor market once they finish residency.
The financial risk is specific and simple: this is a long, expensive road with a delayed payout. You carry medical-school-level debt and years of low-earning residency before that median salary shows up. If you start the program and do not finish, or do not match into a residency, you hold the debt without the income that justifies it. The $139,000 figure belongs to people who completed the credential and are ten years out, not to anyone who stops partway.
PCOM is a good financial fit for you if you are committed to becoming a physician or clinical health professional and can plan for years of training before the return arrives. Look elsewhere if you want a general four-year undergraduate degree or a fast entry to the workforce, because that is not what this school sells.
On net price, weigh any tier against the delayed timeline: the cost hits now, the income comes later.
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.