At $22,115/yr net price, William Penn University graduates earn $48,936/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,936/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,115 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,936/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,936/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,415 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,613/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,318/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,898/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,454/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,384/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $58,402 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $46,478 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $40,089 | $27,059 |
The Risk Factor
29.2% of students at William Penn University 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
William Penn University delivers poor financial returns that should give prospective students serious pause. With median post-graduation earnings of $48,936 against a $22,115 annual net price, you're looking at a payback period that stretches uncomfortably long, especially given the school's troubling 29% graduation rate.
The numbers reveal stark program differences at William Penn. General Business graduates earn $58,402, making it the clear financial winner and potentially worth the investment. Human Resources Management produces more modest returns at $46,478, while Business Administration graduates earn just $40,089 despite carrying higher debt loads of $27,059. This suggests you should avoid the Business Administration track if financial returns matter to you.
Your biggest risk at William Penn is not graduating at all. The 29% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 56% retention rate signals many students recognize problems early and transfer elsewhere. If you struggle academically or lack strong motivation, this school poses serious financial danger.
William Penn makes financial sense only for highly motivated students targeting the General Business program who can secure significant merit aid. The school serves 45% of students with financial aid, suggesting negotiation opportunities exist. However, most students should look elsewhere unless they receive aid packages that drive costs well below the $22,115 net price.
The low graduation rate combined with mediocre earnings creates a high-risk investment. You need strong confidence in your ability to complete your degree and land in one of the better-paying programs to justify choosing William Penn over alternatives with stronger track records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Penn University worth the cost for the earnings potential?
With graduates earning a median of $48,936 ten years after enrollment and net costs around $22,115 annually, William Penn provides modest returns. The low 29% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for those who don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at William Penn University?
Business/Commerce graduates earn the highest at $58,402 annually, while Human Resources Management graduates earn $46,478. General Business Administration graduates earn significantly less at $40,089, so program choice matters for financial outcomes.
How much debt do William Penn University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $22,415, which is manageable compared to the earning potential of top programs. However, students in lower-paying majors or those who don't graduate face a poor debt-to-income ratio.
Should I choose William Penn University over other Iowa colleges for value?
William Penn's 29% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. Unless you're committed to one of their stronger business programs, other Iowa institutions may offer better value and completion rates.