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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a middling payoff. At $11,877 a year in net price, you carry a median debt of $24,000 and land at $41,544 in median earnings a decade out. That number sits close to what a high school graduate might earn in the region, so the degree itself does not guarantee a big jump unless you pick the right major.
Engineering is where the math works. Chemical engineering graduates clear $75,204, and industrial and electrical engineering both top $70,000, all against debt loads in the low-to-mid $20,000s. Electrical engineering stands out because you take on the least debt ($19,000) for one of the highest paychecks. If you can finish one of these programs, your return is strong. The catch is that the school's overall median earnings fall well below these figures, meaning most majors here pay far less than engineering.
The main risk is completion. Only 53% of students graduate, and 23% do not return after the first year. If you borrow $24,000 and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earnings. That risk is real given the low median outcome.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $8,053 a year. over $110,000, you pay roughly double at $16,329. For a lower-income family, the cost stays manageable and the engineering paths offer a clear route out.
This school fits you if you commit to engineering and can finish. If you enroll undecided or drift into a lower-earning major, the $41,544 median suggests you should look hard at whether the debt is worth it. Come in with a plan, or the numbers work against you.
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.