At $22,746/yr net price, Thiel College graduates earn $49,714/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,714/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,746 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,714/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,714/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.5% |
| 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 | $19,731/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,783/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,513/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,095/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,196/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
43.5% of students at Thiel College 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
Thiel College presents a weak financial return that should give you pause before enrolling. With median post-graduation earnings of $49,714 against a net price of $22,746 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most financial advisors recommend.
The school's 43.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. More than half of students who start at Thiel never finish, yet still carry debt from their time there. Even if you do graduate, the earnings data shows concerning patterns across majors.
Accounting offers the strongest return at $43,922 annually, but this falls short of national averages for accounting graduates. Business administration and special education provide modest returns, while criminal justice and communications majors face particularly poor prospects with starting salaries in the low-to-mid $30,000s against the same debt load.
The $27,000 median debt figure appears across multiple programs, suggesting limited variation in borrowing regardless of your major's earning potential. This creates an especially poor value proposition for lower-earning fields like communications.
Thiel makes financial sense only if you receive substantial merit aid that dramatically reduces your net cost, or if you're pursuing accounting or business with strong family connections in western Pennsylvania's job market. The school's rural location and regional focus limit your career mobility.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering criminal justice, communications, or education, as these programs offer poor returns on investment. Students without significant financial aid should particularly avoid Thiel, as the combination of high dropout rates and modest graduate earnings creates substantial financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thiel College worth the cost?
Thiel College's graduates earn a median of $49,714 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a $22,746 annual net price. With only a 44% graduation rate and $27,000 in typical debt, the financial return is questionable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Thiel College?
Accounting graduates from Thiel College earn the highest salaries at $43,922, followed by business administration at $42,086. These business-focused programs offer the strongest financial returns, while communication and criminal justice majors earn significantly less.
How much debt do Thiel College graduates typically have?
Thiel College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with the low graduation rate of 44%, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Thiel College have good financial aid?
Thiel College's net price of $22,746 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is much higher. The aid helps make attendance more affordable, though the overall value proposition remains weak due to low graduation rates and modest graduate earnings.