At $25,754/yr net price, Pittsburgh Technical College graduates earn $40,770/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,770/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,754 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,016 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,770/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,770/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,416 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,690/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,588/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,871/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,656/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,726/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,563 | $24,539 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,044 | $14,635 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $39,927 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,729 | $14,499 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $37,748 | $14,499 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,517 | $19,353 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,959 | $18,625 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,900 | $13,302 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,156 | $14,499 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $35,416 |
The Risk Factor
53.1% of students at Pittsburgh Technical College 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
Pittsburgh Technical College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with $48,563 median earnings, though you'll carry $24,539 in debt to get there. Electrical engineering technology offers the best debt-to-income ratio at $42,044 earnings with just $14,635 in debt.
Computer programming and precision metalworking programs show weaker returns, with earnings in the high $30,000s that barely justify the costs. The overall median earnings of $40,770 sit below what you'd expect for the $25,754 annual price tag, especially considering the 47% of students who don't graduate.
Your biggest financial risk here is program selection. Choose nursing or electrical technology and you'll likely see positive returns within a few years. Pick computer programming or IT management and you may struggle to justify the investment in Pittsburgh's competitive tech market.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing or skilled trades and want hands-on training over a traditional four-year degree. The 92% retention rate suggests students who enroll generally stick with their programs. However, if you're exploring options or interested in business or liberal arts, you'll find better ROI elsewhere.
With 45% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy is picking a high-earning program and completing it quickly. The relatively low median debt of $17,416 helps, but only if you actually graduate and land work in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh Technical College worth the cost?
Pittsburgh Technical College's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $40,770 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $25,754 per year. The nursing programs show strong earnings potential at $48,563, but other programs lag behind with computer programming graduates earning just $37,748.
What are the best paying programs at Pittsburgh Technical College?
Nursing programs offer the highest returns at Pittsburgh Technical College, with registered nursing graduates earning $48,563 annually. Electrical engineering technology ($42,044) and precision metalworking ($39,729) also provide decent earnings, while computer programming trails at $37,748.
How much debt do Pittsburgh Technical College graduates have?
Pittsburgh Technical College graduates carry a median debt of $17,416, which is relatively manageable compared to many four-year schools. However, with only a 53% graduation rate, many students may leave with debt but no degree.
What is the graduation rate at Pittsburgh Technical College?
Pittsburgh Technical College has a 53% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students who enroll never complete their programs. This creates significant financial risk for students who accumulate debt without earning a credential.