At $30,528/yr net price, University of Scranton graduates earn $74,652/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $40,652/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,528 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $122,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $74,652/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$40,652/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.8% |
| 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 | $17,968/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,920/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,999/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,978/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,306/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. | Master | $88,506 | $50,865 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $82,440 | $35,011 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $80,779 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $79,450 | |
| International Business. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,697 | $76,753 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $67,101 | $57,799 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,821 | $22,451 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $62,260 | $26,423 |
The Risk Factor
80.8% of students at University of Scranton graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Scranton delivers solid financial returns despite its high price tag. With median earnings hitting $74,652 ten years out and a strong 80% graduation rate, your investment will likely pay off if you complete your degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner here, with graduates earning up to $88,506 annually. Business programs also perform well, with management majors pulling in $82,440 and finance graduates earning $79,450. These programs justify Scranton's steep costs through strong regional healthcare and business networks in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The school's biggest financial risk is its limited financial aid reach. Only 22% of students receive aid, meaning most families pay close to the full $30,528 annual price. If you need substantial financial assistance, Scranton may price you out. The median debt load of $27,000 stays reasonable for those who do graduate, but incomplete degrees leave you with significant debt and no credential.
You should consider Scranton if your family can afford the high costs and you plan to study nursing, business, or finance. The school's Catholic identity and small class sizes create networking advantages in regional markets, particularly around Philadelphia and New York. Skip this option if you need heavy financial aid or want to study lower-earning fields where the debt burden won't balance against your starting salary.
The 87% retention rate suggests most students find what they expected, but make sure you understand the true costs before enrolling. Scranton works best for middle-to-upper-income families seeking strong professional preparation in high-demand fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Scranton worth the high tuition cost?
University of Scranton's $30,528 annual net price is steep for the $74,652 median earnings graduates see after 10 years. The return on investment is below average compared to similar private schools, though nursing and business programs perform better than the overall average.
What programs at University of Scranton have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at University of Scranton lead to the highest earnings at around $80,000-$88,000 annually. Business and finance majors also see solid returns with starting salaries near $79,000-$82,000, making these the school's most financially viable options.
How much debt do University of Scranton graduates typically have?
University of Scranton graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, given the school's high costs and moderate post-graduation earnings, students should carefully consider financial aid packages before enrolling.
Does University of Scranton provide good value compared to other Pennsylvania schools?
University of Scranton's 80.80% graduation rate is solid, but the financial return lags behind many Pennsylvania state schools and comparable private institutions. Students pay private school prices but see earnings similar to graduates from less expensive public universities.