At $19,685/yr net price, Plymouth State University graduates earn $57,304/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,304/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,685 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,304/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,304/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,051/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,343/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,415/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,660/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,617/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $73,949 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,324 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 | $31,326 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,995 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,358 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,273 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,729 | $25,995 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $45,919 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,170 |
The Risk Factor
47.4% of students at Plymouth 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
Plymouth State University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $57,304 against a net price of nearly $20,000 annually, you're looking at marginal value that gets worse when you factor in the 47% graduation rate.
Your major choice becomes critical here. Educational Administration leads earnings at $73,949, while nursing graduates earn $67,324 with manageable $27,000 debt loads. Business management and computer science also clear $57,000 annually. However, general computer and information sciences drops to $53,358, showing how program specificity matters at Plymouth State.
The school's biggest financial risk is its low graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without degrees, making their investment a total loss. The 71% retention rate signals early warning signs that many students recognize Plymouth State isn't working for them.
You should consider Plymouth State only if you're pursuing nursing, education, or business programs and can commit to finishing your degree. The school works best for New Hampshire residents who want to stay local and can access in-state pricing. Avoid Plymouth State if you're unsure about your major, struggle academically, or need strong career services support.
Financial aid covers only 26% of students, limiting your scholarship opportunities. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize total costs, since the weak job market outcomes mean every extra semester hurts your return on investment. Students seeking better financial prospects should look at New Hampshire's other public options or neighboring state schools with stronger graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plymouth State University worth the money?
Plymouth State's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $57,304 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $19,685 annually. The 47% graduation rate is concerning, meaning over half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Plymouth State University?
Educational Administration leads at $73,949, followed by Nursing at $67,324 and Business Administration at $60,771. Computer Science graduates earn $57,995, which is close to the school average.
How much debt do Plymouth State University graduates have?
The median debt is $26,000, which is manageable given the $57,304 average earnings after 10 years. However, this only applies to the 47% of students who actually graduate.
Does Plymouth State University have good financial aid?
With a net price of $19,685 after aid, Plymouth State is relatively affordable for a four-year degree. The school's 98% acceptance rate suggests it's accessible, but the low graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their programs.