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 gives you a mixed financial return, weighted down by a graduation rate that should stop you cold. Fewer than three in ten students finish, and only 56% return after their first year. That means the biggest financial risk here isn't debt load , it's paying for a year or two, borrowing, and leaving without a degree to show for it. The debt figures on this page assume you graduate. if you're part of the 70% who don't, you carry the cost with none of the earnings payoff.
If you do finish, the picture improves. Median earnings of about $49,000 sit reasonably against a median debt of roughly $22,000, so the debt-to-earnings math works for graduates. Business is the clear winner on this campus, paying about $58,000 , roughly $12,000 more than Human Resources Management, the other bachelor's program with reported earnings. If your plan is business, the return justifies the price. If you're drawn to HR or a program with no earnings data listed here, temper your expectations.
Net price barely moves with income, which is the story families need to see. You'll pay around $19,600 whether your household earns under $30,000 or between $30,000 and $48,000, and higher earners pay closer to $24,000. A private-nonprofit price near $22,000 a year lands hard on lower-income families when the sticker doesn't drop much for you.
This school fits you if you're committed to the business program, confident you'll graduate, and able to absorb the net price without heavy borrowing. Look elsewhere if you're unsure about finishing, since the completion odds here turn tuition into a gamble. The degree pays. the risk is not getting one.
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.