Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology at a Glance
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, commonly referred to as Harrisburg University (HU), is a private STEM-focused university in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with an additional location in Philadelphia. Founded in 2001 as Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute, it offers STEM-focused degree and certificate programs.
2001
25 years old
$1M
$1 million
6,500
200
Identity
Is Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,374 — 3% below average — while paying $15,376/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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 $27,000 representing 52% 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Harrisburg University of Science and Technology compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #35 of 91 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #3 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #4 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #5 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #6 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #35 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | 33 | $15,376 | $52,374 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in PA.
Best Programs at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
The highest-earning program at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $33,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Natural Sciences at $26,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology earns $33,700, while a Natural Sciences graduate earns $26,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Natural Sciences.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,376/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $33,700 | $33,700 | $27,000 |
| Natural Sciences | $26,300 | $26,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Harrisburg, PA
- Student Body
- 615 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,376
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,374
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000