Point Park University
Point Park University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Point Park University at a Glance
Point Park University is a private university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Formerly known as Point Park College, the school name was revised in 2004 to reflect the number of graduate programs being offered. In 2021, it had a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,575 students.
1960
66 years old
$50M
$50.1 million (2022)
3,288
2,575 undergrad · 870 grad
Identity
Is Point Park University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Point Park University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,856 — 15% below average — while paying $25,942/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 97% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 59% 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 Point Park University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Point Park University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #48 of 85 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 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #2 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #3 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #4 | Aquinas College | 48 | $16,626 | $49,584 |
| #5 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #6 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | 44 | $18,196 | $55,362 |
| #48 | Point Park University | 26 | $25,942 | $45,856 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Point Park 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 Point Park University
The highest-earning program at Point Park University is Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at $71,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Dance at $15,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduate from Point Park University earns $71,500, while a Dance graduate earns $15,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,942/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $71,500 | $71,500 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $40,800 | $40,800 | $30,946 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $36,400 | $36,400 | $26,025 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,900 | $35,900 | $28,443 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,600 | $31,600 | $26,375 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $30,500 | $30,500 | $27,000 |
| Journalism | $24,300 | $24,300 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $22,800 | $22,800 | $27,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $20,700 | $20,700 | $27,000 |
| Dance | $15,700 | $15,700 | $26,250 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Student Body
- 2,331 students
- Admission Rate
- 97%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,942
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,856
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000