At $11,877/yr net price, Youngstown State University graduates earn $41,544/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,544/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,877 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,544/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,544/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,053/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,286/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,171/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,906/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,329/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 | $110,241 | $48,456 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,204 | $25,375 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $73,737 | $18,265 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,957 | $23,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,734 | $58,087 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,596 | $19,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $70,176 | $30,694 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,222 | $21,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,706 | $30,750 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
The Risk Factor
52.9% of students at Youngstown State University 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
Youngstown State University delivers solid financial value for Ohio residents, with a low net price of $11,877 annually and manageable median debt of $24,000. The school's engineering and nursing programs produce strong earnings that justify their costs, while many other majors struggle to generate adequate returns.
Your major choice matters enormously at YSU. Chemical engineering graduates earn $75,204 annually with reasonable debt loads, while electrical engineering technology and industrial engineering also deliver strong payoffs. Nursing tops the earnings chart at $110,241, though the $48,456 median debt requires careful planning. These technical programs tap into Ohio's manufacturing base and healthcare demand effectively.
The school's 53% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees while carrying debt. The 77% retention rate suggests many departures happen after freshman year, when you've already invested substantially. This pattern makes YSU particularly risky for students who aren't academically prepared or committed to finishing.
YSU works best financially for Ohio residents pursuing engineering, nursing, or other technical fields who need affordable access to solid programs. The low sticker price makes it reasonable even for moderate earners in the region. However, students considering liberal arts majors or those with weak academic preparation should look elsewhere, as the combination of modest post-graduation earnings and high dropout risk creates poor financial prospects.
With only 33% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Focus on completing your degree quickly and choosing a major with clear regional job prospects to maximize your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Youngstown State University worth the cost?
Youngstown State University offers decent value for in-state students with a net price of $11,877 and median debt of $24,000. However, the 10-year average earnings of $41,544 are below national averages, making ROI heavily dependent on your chosen program.
What are the best paying majors at Youngstown State University?
Nursing programs at Youngstown State University lead earnings at over $110,000, followed by Chemical Engineering at $75,204. Most other programs produce significantly lower earnings, so choose carefully if financial returns matter to you.
How much debt do Youngstown State University graduates have?
Youngstown State University graduates carry a median debt of $24,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. With the relatively low net price, most students can graduate without excessive borrowing if they stay in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Youngstown State University?
Youngstown State University has a 53% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. This completion risk, combined with modest post-graduation earnings, makes careful program selection critical for getting value from your investment.