At $23,553/yr net price, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $56,351/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,351/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,553 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,351/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,351/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,253/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,505/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,912/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,492/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,250/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,066 | $20,750 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $27,000 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,169 | $26,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,543 | $26,319 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $49,270 | $26,000 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $49,019 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,823 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $48,589 | $23,300 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $47,650 |
The Risk Factor
51.6% of students at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 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
Shippensburg University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for business and engineering majors but weaker performance across other programs. The school's $23,553 annual net price produces median earnings of $56,351 after ten years, creating a reasonable payback period for most graduates.
Business Administration leads earning potential at $65,066 annually with just $20,750 in debt, making it the clear financial winner. Computer Engineering follows closely at $63,005, though graduates carry $27,000 in debt. Finance and accounting majors earn around $50,000-$51,000 but face higher debt loads near $26,000, reducing their net financial advantage.
The 51% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk at Shippensburg. Nearly half of students leave without degrees while accumulating debt, and the 76% retention rate suggests academic struggles continue beyond freshman year. This dropout risk makes the school particularly risky for students without strong academic preparation or clear career focus.
You should consider Shippensburg if you plan to study business or computer engineering and can handle the academic demands. The business program offers excellent value given its low debt levels and strong regional employment connections. The school works best for Pennsylvania residents who qualify for in-state tuition and students who thrive in smaller campus environments.
Avoid Shippensburg if you need extensive academic support or plan to study outside the business and engineering areas. The low graduation rate suggests limited support systems, and earnings data for other majors appears weak. Students considering expensive graduate programs should look elsewhere, as the undergraduate debt load will compound with additional borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania worth the cost?
With 10-year earnings of $56,351 and a net price of $23,553 annually, Shippensburg offers moderate value but depends heavily on your major. The 51.6% graduation rate is concerning and affects overall ROI.
What are the best paying majors at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?
Business Administration ($65,066) and Computer Engineering ($63,005) offer the strongest earning potential at Shippensburg. These programs justify the cost better than most others at the university.
How much student debt do Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many universities. However, with nearly half of students not graduating, debt without a degree becomes a real risk.
Does Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania have good job placement after graduation?
The low 51.6% graduation rate suggests significant retention and completion challenges. While business and engineering graduates earn decent salaries, many students struggle to finish their programs.