Moravian University
Moravian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Moravian University at a Glance
Moravian University is a private university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. The institution traces its history to girls' and boys' schools opened in 1742 by Moravians, descendants of followers of the Bohemian Reformation under John Amos Comenius.
1742
284 years old
$177M
$177 million (2024)
2,075
100 acres
Identity
Is Moravian University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Moravian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $61,860 — 15% above average — while paying $30,670/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Moravian University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Moravian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #28 of 56 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 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #2 | Wabash College | 55 | $24,336 | $69,952 |
| #3 | Augustana College | 53 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| #4 | Austin College | 49 | $21,107 | $61,296 |
| #5 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #6 | Saint Vincent College | 45 | $23,510 | $59,982 |
| #28 | Moravian University | 36 | $30,670 | $61,860 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Moravian University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in PA.
Best Programs at Moravian University
The highest-earning program at Moravian University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $63,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $39,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Moravian University earns $63,700, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $39,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,500 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,670/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,700 | $63,700 | $22,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,000 | $39,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bethlehem, PA
- Student Body
- 1,949 students
- Admission Rate
- 54%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,670
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,860
- Median Student Debt
- $26,793