At $18,889/yr net price, Pittsburg State University graduates earn $50,579/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,579/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,889 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,579/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,579/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,969 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,392/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,369/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,833/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,287/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,715/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $66,941 | $21,684 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,218 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,452 | $20,588 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,586 | $18,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $51,273 | $23,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,432 | $19,119 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $47,260 | $27,185 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,087 | $15,570 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,852 | $27,785 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $45,383 | $18,951 |
The Risk Factor
57.6% of students at Pittsburg State 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
Pittsburg State University delivers solid financial returns through its technical programs, but your major choice determines whether you come out ahead. Construction Management graduates earn $66,941 annually while carrying just $21,684 in debt, creating one of the better payback scenarios among Kansas public universities.
The engineering technology programs consistently outperform the school average, with electrical and industrial production technology majors earning over $60,000. Nursing graduates also see strong returns at $54,586 with below-average debt loads. These technical tracks align well with southeastern Kansas's manufacturing and healthcare job market, where Pittsburg State has built employer relationships over decades.
Your financial risk increases significantly outside these core programs. The 57% graduation rate means four in ten students accumulate debt without finishing their degree. The 78% retention rate suggests academic support gaps that could derail your progress if you struggle in your first year.
This school works financially if you target the high-earning technical majors and can handle the academic demands. Kansas residents get the best deal with the low net price, making debt loads manageable even for programs with modest earning potential. Out-of-state students should focus exclusively on the top-earning majors to justify the higher costs.
Merit aid opportunities appear limited given that only 32% of students receive aid. Your best cost strategy involves graduating on time in a technical field where Pittsburg State has proven employer connections. Liberal arts majors and students unsure about their academic direction face poor financial odds here.