At $19,685/yr net price, York College of Pennsylvania graduates earn $61,012/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,012/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,685 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,012/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,012/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,792/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,129/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,388/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,010/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,092/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,990 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,362 | $27,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $54,644 | $27,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $54,644 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,465 | $24,173 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $42,905 | $26,950 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $25,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
59.7% of students at York College of Pennsylvania 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
York College of Pennsylvania delivers solid middle-class returns with median earnings of $61,012 and manageable debt loads of $26,000. The $19,685 net price positions it as an affordable private option, though the 59.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for students who don't finish.
Business Administration leads earnings at $64,990 with lower debt of $20,500, making it the clear financial winner. Nursing also performs well at $63,362, justifying its higher $27,000 debt load given strong regional healthcare demand. Computer Science disappoints at $54,644 despite tech sector growth, suggesting the program may not connect well with higher-paying markets.
The biggest red flag is the graduation rate. With four out of ten students failing to complete their degrees, you face real risk of accumulating debt without earning power. The 77.3% retention rate signals many students struggle after freshman year.
Only 25.2% of students receive need-based aid, indicating York expects families to pay most costs upfront. This structure works best for middle-income families who earn too much for significant aid but can handle the annual costs without excessive borrowing.
York makes financial sense if you're pursuing business or nursing with strong academic preparation and family financial support. Avoid it if you need substantial aid, lack clear career direction, or struggle academically. The combination of moderate graduation rates and limited aid creates a high-risk scenario for students without solid financial backing or clear professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is York College of Pennsylvania worth the cost?
York College provides decent value with a net price of $19,685 and graduates earning $61,012 after 10 years. However, the low 60% graduation rate means 4 in 10 students don't finish, which significantly increases the financial risk.
What are the best paying majors at York College of Pennsylvania?
Business Administration leads at $64,990 annually, followed by nursing at $63,362. Computer Science and Allied Health both average $54,644, while Finance lags behind at $50,465 despite being a business-related field.
How much debt do York College of Pennsylvania graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt, which is manageable given the $61,012 average earnings. The debt-to-income ratio works out to reasonable monthly payments for most graduates who complete their degrees.
Does York College of Pennsylvania have good graduation rates?
No, York College's 60% graduation rate is concerning and well below average for four-year colleges. This means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, making the investment much riskier than the earnings data suggests.