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 gives you a moderate financial return with contained risk. Your median debt of $25,000 stays below your expected first-decade earnings of $56,351, and at a public price of $23,553 a year, the math works for most graduates who finish. The problem is finishing: only about half of students graduate, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the return collapses fast.
Computer engineering is the clear winner here, paying $63,005 against $27,000 in debt. The business cluster forms a solid middle tier: finance, accounting, and management information systems all land near $50,000 with debt around $26,000, so your loans and paycheck stay in step. Computer systems analysis pays $52,107 and is worth pursuing. These five are the programs that reliably clear the debt you take on. Nothing outside this tech-and-business core is listed with strong bachelor-level earnings, so if you're drawn to a field not shown, treat the payoff as unproven and ask the department for its own placement numbers.
The retention rate of 76% means one in four freshmen doesn't return, and that's your biggest specific risk. Borrow only what a degree you'll actually complete can repay.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $18,500 a year, roughly $9,000 less than families above $110,000, who pay about $27,250. That gap makes Shippensburg a genuine value for lower- and middle-income Pennsylvania students aiming at its computing and business majors. If you're paying the top-tier price for a major outside that core, look harder at whether the earnings justify it.
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.