Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Waynesburg University at a Glance
Waynesburg University is a private Christian university in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, United States. It was established in 1850 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. The university enrolls around 1,400 students, including approximately 1,100 undergraduates.
1850
176 years old
1,100
Identity
Is Waynesburg University Worth It?
Waynesburg University offers moderate value at $18,235/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $58,537, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Waynesburg University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #9 of 131 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 Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #9 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Waynesburg University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 13 in PA.
Best Programs at Waynesburg University
The highest-earning program at Waynesburg University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $30,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Waynesburg University earns $59,700, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $30,900. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,235/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 | $59,700 | $59,700 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,900 | $30,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Waynesburg, PA
- Student Body
- 1,009 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,235
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,537
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000