At $25,157/yr net price, Waynesburg University graduates earn $58,537/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,537/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,157 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,537/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,537/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.5% |
| 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 | $19,790/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,018/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,354/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,404/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,697/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 | $78,343 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 | $23,951 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,358 | $27,000 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $39,009 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $27,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $36,914 | $40,813 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,382 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.5% of students at Waynesburg University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Waynesburg University delivers weak returns for most students, with median earnings of $58,537 barely justifying the $25,157 annual net price and typical debt load of $27,000. The 60.5% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without a degree but still carry debt.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $78,343 and representing the school's strongest financial bet. Business administration shows mixed results depending on your career trajectory, with top earners reaching $67,660 but others stuck at $37,208 despite carrying the same debt burden. Educational media design graduates face particularly poor prospects at $39,009, making that program a financial risk.
The school's location in southwestern Pennsylvania limits job market opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas. With only 31% of students receiving aid, you'll likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for merit scholarships based on academic performance.
Waynesburg makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or can secure significant merit aid to bring costs down substantially. The school works best for students who plan to stay in the region and have clear career paths in healthcare or established business networks. If you're exploring majors outside nursing or business, or need extensive financial aid, you should look elsewhere for better return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waynesburg University worth the cost?
Waynesburg University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $60,000-$78,000 annually, making the $25,157 yearly cost reasonable, but other programs like educational media design ($39,009) offer weaker returns on investment.
What is the ROI for Waynesburg University graduates?
With average earnings of $58,537 ten years after graduation and median debt of $27,000, Waynesburg provides modest returns. The 60.5% graduation rate means 4 in 10 students don't finish, increasing financial risk.
Which Waynesburg University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Waynesburg University offer the strongest career outcomes, with graduates earning $60,000-$78,000 annually. Business administration shows mixed results, with some graduates earning $67,660 while others make only $37,208.
How much debt do Waynesburg University students typically graduate with?
Waynesburg University graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but potentially burdensome for lower-earning programs. The $25,157 annual net price adds up quickly over four years.