Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Worth It?
At a value score of 16/100, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $37,837 — 30% below average — while paying $14,265/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 24% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $21,785 representing 58% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Cheyney University of Pennsylvania compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #21 of 23 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #2 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #3 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #4 | American Samoa Community College | 89 | $3,386 | $30,087 |
| #5 | Bay Mills Community College | 74 | $3,073 | $30,048 |
| #6 | University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | 64 | $6,624 | $41,913 |
| #21 | Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | 16 | $14,265 | $37,837 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
The highest-earning program at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is Sociology at $24,000/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Sociology graduate from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania earns $24,000, while a Sociology graduate earns $24,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Sociology graduates carry $34,000 in median debt vs. $34,000 for Sociology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,265/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | $24,000 | $24,000 | $34,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Cheyney, PA
- Student Body
- 617 students
- Graduation Rate
- 24%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,265
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $37,837
- Median Student Debt
- $21,785