At $18,952/yr net price, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown 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) | $18,952 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,125/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,125/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.4% |
| 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 | $10,031/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,642/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,645/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,346/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,540/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,221 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,918 | $25,250 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,422 | $24,750 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,202 | $25,750 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,728 | $25,190 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,131 | $26,489 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,856 | $27,000 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $58,479 | $26,486 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,221 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,136 | $24,188 |
The Risk Factor
53.4% of students at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown 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-Johnstown gives you a solid financial return, with median earnings ten years out landing well above what you borrow to get there. Median debt of $24,250 against $66,125 in typical earnings means you can pay it back without the balance swallowing your income. That ratio is the core case for this school.
The payoff comes from engineering. Electrical Engineering Technologies grads clear $69,000, and Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science all cluster in the high $60,000s. Western Pennsylvania still runs on manufacturing, energy, and industrial work, so these degrees connect to real regional hiring. If you enroll here for engineering or CS, the numbers work in your favor.
The catch is that every top-earning program is an engineering or computer science major. No non-technical program shows up in the earnings data, so if you come for a field outside those, you have no evidence the return holds. Assume weaker outcomes and plan accordingly.
The bigger risk is finishing. A 53% graduation rate means nearly half of enrollees don't complete, and a 76% retention rate means one in four freshmen leave after year one. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and those odds are not on your side.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30,000, you pay about $10,000 a year. over $110,000, closer to $23,500. That gap makes Pitt-Johnstown especially affordable if your family income is modest and you can commit to an engineering track.
This school fits you if you want an engineering or computer science degree at a low sticker price and you're confident you'll graduate. Look elsewhere if you're undecided, drawn to a non-technical major, or unsure about finishing, because the completion odds turn the debt into a real gamble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown worth the cost?
UPJ offers decent value for engineering and tech students, with graduates earning around $66,125 after 10 years and manageable debt levels at $24,250. However, the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown?
Engineering programs at UPJ deliver the strongest returns, with electrical engineering technology and chemical engineering graduates earning $68,000-$69,000 annually. Computer science also performs well at $67,202, making these programs worth the investment.
How much debt do University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduates have?
UPJ graduates carry a median debt of $24,250, which is reasonable compared to many four-year schools. With engineering graduates earning around $67,000-$69,000, this debt level is manageable for students in high-paying programs.
Should I attend University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown with a low GPA?
UPJ accepts 97% of applicants with an average SAT of 1120, making it accessible for average students. The real challenge is graduation, as only 53% of students finish their degree, so academic preparation matters more than admission requirements.