At $19,524/yr net price, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $53,032/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,032/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,524 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,032/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,032/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% |
| 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 | $12,762/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,805/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,007/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,001/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,422/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,660 | $76,814 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,749 | $14,578 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,213 | $24,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,124 | $20,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $52,289 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,673 | $18,393 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,217 | $23,172 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $45,145 | $21,500 |
| Mathematics. | Master | $44,021 |
The Risk Factor
65.9% of students at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Slippery Rock University delivers solid middle-class outcomes at a reasonable price, with strong career-focused programs that align well with Pennsylvania's job market. Your median debt of $25,000 pairs with $53,000 in typical earnings, creating manageable loan payments for most graduates.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner here. You'll earn $63,749 annually with just $14,578 in debt, making this one of the best nursing ROI deals in the state. Business administration also performs well at $59,124 in earnings with $20,500 debt. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions pay the highest at $67,660, but the $76,814 debt load requires careful consideration of your specific career path within this broad field.
Criminal justice graduates face tougher financial prospects with $52,289 earnings, though the debt levels remain reasonable. The 66% graduation rate signals that not everyone who starts will finish, creating dropout risk without the degree premium.
This school works best if you want practical career preparation without the premium price tag of private colleges. The regional focus means strong connections to western Pennsylvania employers, particularly in healthcare and business sectors. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive merit aid, as only 28% receive financial assistance.
Your best financial strategy involves choosing high-demand programs like nursing or business, completing your degree within four years, and leveraging the school's regional employer relationships. Avoid this school if you're pursuing fields not well-represented here or need significant financial aid beyond federal programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania worth the cost?
With average earnings of $53,000 ten years after graduation and a net price of $19,524 annually, Slippery Rock offers moderate value that depends heavily on your major. The school's rehabilitation therapy and nursing programs show strong earning potential, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead at $67,660 annually, followed by nursing at $63,749. These health-focused programs offer the clearest path to strong returns on your investment at Slippery Rock.
How much debt do Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable given the average starting salaries for top programs. However, students in lower-paying majors like criminal justice may find this debt burden challenging with average earnings around $52,000.
What is the graduation rate at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
Only 66% of students graduate, which is below the national average and raises concerns about academic support and student success. This lower completion rate adds risk to your investment, especially if you don't finish your degree.