At $9,964/yr net price, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology graduates earn $54,681/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,681/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,964 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,856 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,681/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,681/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,990 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,142/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,020/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,842/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,071/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,903/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $53,358 | $10,966 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $46,193 | $12,000 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $42,235 | $8,977 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Associate | $39,729 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,649 | $11,940 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Associate | $38,289 | $8,903 |
| Woodworking. | Associate | $36,312 | $9,373 |
The Risk Factor
60.0% of students at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology gives you a strong financial return for a two-year public school. You leave with median debt under $10,000 and earn a median of nearly $55,000 ten years out, so your total borrowing sits close to what you'd make in a single year of work. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the number that matters most here, and it lands in your favor.
The trades pay off best. Electrical and electronics maintenance and mechatronics both clear $53,000, and precision metal working, architectural sciences, and HVAC all land in the low-to-mid $40,000s. These are hands-on associate programs feeding directly into Pennsylvania's manufacturing and building-trades employers, and the earnings hold up because those jobs exist regionally. HVAC stands out because you earn over $42,000 while carrying the lowest debt of any listed program, under $9,000.
The main risk is fit. Every payoff program here is a technical or trade credential, so if you want a general academic path or plan to transfer toward a four-year degree, the earnings data behind this school won't apply to you. There are no bachelor-level outcomes to lean on. A 60% graduation rate also means four in ten students don't finish, and an unfinished credential leaves you with debt and no wage bump.
If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $3,000 to $4,000 a year, which makes this school one of the cheapest routes into a skilled-trade wage. Above $75,000, net price climbs past $15,000, so the deal is still fair but less of a bargain. Come here if you want a specific trade and plan to finish. Look elsewhere if you're undecided or aiming at a bachelor's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology worth the cost?
With a net price of $9,964 and median earnings of $54,681 after 10 years, Thaddeus Stevens offers solid ROI for a technical college. The low debt load of $9,990 makes it financially manageable for most students.
Which programs at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology have the best job prospects?
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Mechatronics programs lead with $53,358 starting salaries. HVAC and Architectural Sciences programs pay less at around $42,000, which is still reasonable given the low tuition costs.
What are the graduation rates like at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
The 60% graduation rate is concerning and below national averages for technical colleges. This means 4 out of 10 students don't finish their programs, which increases the risk of debt without a degree.
How much debt do students typically have after Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
The median debt of $9,990 is very low compared to most colleges. This manageable debt load, combined with decent earning potential in technical fields, reduces financial risk for graduates.