At $17,034/yr net price, University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg 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) | $17,034 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,136 |
| 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) | 39.6% |
| 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 | $8,336/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,027/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,358/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,085/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,761/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $55,286 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,136 | $24,188 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $53,179 | $22,662 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $47,650 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $23,059 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $27,000 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $34,793 | $24,046 |
| Literature. | Bachelor | $33,687 | $27,000 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $26,558 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
39.6% of students at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg presents a mixed financial picture with significant red flags that prospective students should carefully consider. The school's 39.6% graduation rate means six out of ten students never finish their degree, creating substantial financial risk for anyone enrolling.
Your best financial bets at Pitt-Greensburg are applied mathematics and accounting, both delivering starting salaries around $55,000 with manageable debt loads under $25,000. Health administration also shows solid returns at $53,000 annually. However, chemistry graduates face a concerning mismatch between debt and earnings, borrowing $27,000 to earn just $37,000 per year.
The low graduation rate signals deeper institutional challenges that could derail your investment. Combined with a 67.7% retention rate, these numbers suggest many students struggle to complete their programs successfully. This pattern particularly hurts students who accumulate debt but leave without a degree.
Pitt-Greensburg works best for highly motivated students who can handle the completion challenges and choose high-return majors like accounting or applied math. The relatively low net price of $17,034 helps, but only if you actually graduate. Students needing extensive academic support or those considering lower-paying majors like chemistry should explore alternatives with stronger completion rates.
The limited financial aid reach, covering just 38% of students, means many families pay close to full price. Merit scholarships exist but competition is steep given the school's retention struggles. Your safest strategy involves choosing a proven major, maintaining strong grades, and having backup transfer options if academic support proves insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg worth the cost for most students?
With a 39.6% graduation rate and median debt of $24,250, University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg presents significant completion risk. The 10-year median earnings of $66,125 provide decent returns for graduates who finish, but nearly 60% of students don't graduate.
Which programs at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg offer the best ROI?
Applied Mathematics and Accounting programs show the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $55,000 annually. Chemistry graduates earn significantly less at $37,424, making it a weaker financial choice despite the science degree.
How does University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg's net price compare to outcomes?
At $17,034 per year, the net price is reasonable compared to earnings potential for graduates. However, the low graduation rate means many students pay without completing their degree, making the true cost much higher for those who don't finish.
What are the biggest financial risks at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg?
The primary risk is the 39.6% graduation rate, meaning most students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 97.6% acceptance rate suggests minimal academic preparation requirements, which may contribute to high dropout rates.