At $26,539/yr net price, Susquehanna University graduates earn $61,723/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,723/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,539 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,723/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,723/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,251/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,536/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,048/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,432/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,833/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $27,000 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $54,661 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,846 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $27,000 |
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Bachelor | $44,170 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $43,426 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,927 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
74.1% of students at Susquehanna University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Susquehanna University delivers mediocre financial returns that struggle to justify its $26,539 annual cost. With median earnings of $61,723 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
Business programs dominate the earnings rankings, but even the top performer, Accounting, only reaches $58,221 annually against $27,000 in typical debt. Finance graduates earn just $47,846, creating a concerning gap between education costs and career outcomes. Marketing majors face an even tougher reality at $46,478, making the substantial investment hard to defend financially.
The school's 74% graduation rate creates additional risk. Nearly one in four students leave without completing their degree, yet still carry debt from their time enrolled. The 73% retention rate signals that students often discover the academic fit isn't worth the price tag.
Financial aid coverage appears limited, with only 24% of students receiving institutional aid. This suggests merit scholarships are competitive and need-based support may be insufficient for middle-income families caught between qualifying for aid and affording the full cost.
Susquehanna works best for students whose families can pay the full freight without borrowing, particularly those interested in accounting or business fields. If you need substantial financial aid or plan to major outside business disciplines, your money will likely generate better returns elsewhere. The combination of high costs, modest earnings outcomes, and limited aid makes this a risky financial choice for most families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Susquehanna University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Susquehanna's graduates earn $61,723 ten years after graduation with median debt of $27,000, giving a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The net price of $26,539 per year is high for a school with a 77% acceptance rate, but strong business programs help justify costs for students in those fields.
What majors at Susquehanna University provide the best return on investment?
Accounting graduates from Susquehanna earn $58,221 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at the school. International Business and Finance also perform well at $54,661 and $47,846 respectively, while Marketing and Communications majors see lower returns around $44,000-$46,000.
How much debt do Susquehanna University students typically graduate with?
Susquehanna students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the average post-graduation earnings of $61,723. This debt level represents about 44% of first-year earnings, falling within acceptable ranges for college debt.
Does Susquehanna University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
With a net price of $26,539 after aid, Susquehanna provides some financial assistance but costs remain high relative to outcomes. Students should carefully evaluate aid packages, as the 74% graduation rate means about one in four students don't complete their degree.