William Penn University
William Penn University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
William Penn University at a Glance
William Penn University is a private university in Oskaloosa, Iowa, United States. It was founded by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1873 as Penn College. In 1933, the name was changed to William Penn College, and finally to William Penn University in 2000.
Is William Penn University Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, William Penn University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,936 — 9% below average — while paying $22,601/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 31% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at William Penn University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How William Penn University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #41 of 52 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 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Judson University | 43 | $18,558 | $56,313 |
| #4 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #5 | Alma College | 42 | $20,694 | $54,742 |
| #6 | Ohio Wesleyan University | 40 | $20,897 | $55,624 |
| #41 | William Penn University | 17 | $22,601 | $48,936 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of William Penn University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in IA.
Best Programs at William Penn University
The highest-earning program at William Penn University is Business/Commerce, General at $54,800/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from William Penn University earns $54,800, while a Business/Commerce, General graduate earns $54,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $28,383 in median debt vs. $28,383 for Business/Commerce, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,601/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $54,800 | $54,800 | $28,383 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Oskaloosa, IA
- Student Body
- 1,301 students
- Admission Rate
- 52%
- Graduation Rate
- 31%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,601
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,936
- Median Student Debt
- $22,415