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 gives you a middling financial return. Median earnings of $57,304 ten years out sit above the $26,000 median debt, so the typical graduate carries manageable payments. But the 47% graduation rate is the real risk: over half of students don't finish in the standard window, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns against you fast.
Nursing is the clear winner here. At $67,324, it pays about $20,000 more than marketing, the lowest-earning program on the list, while both carry roughly the same $27,000 debt. If you want the strongest payoff, nursing is it. Computer science and accounting land in the mid-$50,000s to low-$50,000s and justify their debt loads. Marketing, at under $48,000, gives you the thinnest margin over what you borrow.
The graduation and retention numbers are the specific risk at Plymouth. With a 71% retention rate, nearly three in ten first-year students don't return. Borrowing $27,000 for nursing only works if you cross the finish line, so weigh honestly whether you'll stay and complete.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $14,000 a year. over $110,000, that climbs to nearly $24,000. That $10,000 annual gap makes Plymouth a stronger value for lower-income families than for high earners, who pay close to the full sticker for outcomes that aren't outsized.
Plymouth fits you if you're targeting nursing, computer science, or accounting and confident you'll graduate. Look elsewhere if you're drawn to lower-earning majors, uncertain about finishing, or a high earner paying top-tier price for a mid-range return.
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.