At $16,630/yr net price, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates earn $66,125/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,125/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,630 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,125/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,125/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,352/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,294/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,898/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,611/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,283/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,207 | $23,000 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $55,286 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,136 | $24,188 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,386 | $20,012 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,479 | $24,989 |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,485 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $23,059 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $27,000 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $34,793 | $24,046 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
43.4% of students at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford 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
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford delivers mixed financial returns with concerning completion rates that undermine its value proposition. The low 43% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without a degree, making the investment particularly risky.
Your best financial bet is the nursing program, which produces graduates earning around $54,000-$60,000 annually with manageable debt loads under $23,000. Applied mathematics and accounting also show solid returns at roughly $55,000, though accounting carries slightly higher debt. These programs justify the investment given Bradford's affordable $16,630 net price.
Economics graduates face a tougher financial picture, earning just $43,479 while carrying nearly $25,000 in debt. This creates a concerning debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances after graduation.
Bradford works best financially if you're committed to completing your degree and choose one of the stronger-performing majors. The combination of low net price and decent earnings in select fields can produce positive returns. However, the 61% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or social fit, increasing your risk of leaving without a degree.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or prefer a more traditional college experience, as Bradford's high dropout rates suggest systemic challenges. The school makes financial sense primarily for Pennsylvania residents pursuing nursing, math, or accounting who value small class sizes and can stay focused on degree completion despite limited campus resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Pittsburgh-Bradford worth the cost?
With a net price of $16,630 and median earnings of $66,125 after 10 years, Pitt-Bradford offers reasonable value for in-state students. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degree, which significantly reduces ROI.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?
Nursing programs lead with earnings around $54,000-$60,000, followed by applied mathematics at $55,286 and accounting at $55,136. Economics graduates earn significantly less at $43,479, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,250, which is manageable compared to the $66,125 average earnings 10 years post-graduation. This debt-to-income ratio suggests reasonable affordability for most graduates who complete their degrees.
What are the biggest risks of attending University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?
The 43% graduation rate is the major concern, meaning over half of students don't finish their degree but may still accumulate debt. The school's 93% acceptance rate also indicates less selective admissions, which correlates with lower completion rates.