Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.5%
- Retention Rate
- 71.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,714
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,922 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,086 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,896 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $22,771 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,166 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Thiel graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $27,000 and earnings of $49,714 after ten years, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54. Monthly loan payments of $286 represent about 6.9% of typical graduate income. The college's strong Lutheran heritage and liberal arts focus traditionally channel graduates toward education, social services, and business roles in western Pennsylvania. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment, though the relatively modest earnings reflect the region's economic reality. Many alumni stay local, contributing to smaller communities rather than chasing high-salary metropolitan markets. Given the reasonable debt load and solid employment outcomes, Thiel offers an average return on investment for students seeking stable careers in traditional fields.