Robert Morris University
Robert Morris University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Robert Morris University at a Glance
Robert Morris University (RMU) is a private university in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded in 1921 and is named after Robert Morris, known as the "financier of the American Revolution". It enrolls nearly 5,000 students and offers 60 bachelor's degree programs and 35 master's and doctoral programs.
1921
105 years old
$54M
$53.9 million (2025)
3,769
162
230 acres
Identity
Is Robert Morris University Worth It?
Robert Morris University offers moderate value at $23,003/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $62,105, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 66% graduation rate means roughly 34% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Robert Morris University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #32 of 143 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 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #32 | Robert Morris University | 44 | $23,003 | $62,105 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Robert Morris University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 16 in PA.
Best Programs at Robert Morris University
The highest-earning program at Robert Morris University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Design and Applied Arts at $22,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Robert Morris University earns $57,000, while a Design and Applied Arts graduate earns $22,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $25,030 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Design and Applied Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,003/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 | $57,000 | $57,000 | $25,030 |
| Applied Mathematics | $50,700 | $50,700 | $24,734 |
| Engineering, General | $47,000 | $47,000 | $26,924 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,000 | $47,000 | $26,991 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $42,700 | $42,700 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,700 | $38,700 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $37,800 | $37,800 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $25,700 | $25,700 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $22,900 | $22,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Moon Township, PA
- Student Body
- 2,896 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 66%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,003
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,105
- Median Student Debt
- $26,950