Students at East Stroudsburg University consistently achieve higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's strong track record of maximizing student potential.
The combination of broad access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students with reliable upward mobility outcomes makes ESU a standout choice among Pennsylvania's public universities.
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania delivers consistent value for students seeking accessible higher education with reliable long-term outcomes. Located in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region, this medium-sized public university serves a diverse student body where nearly 40% receive Pell Grants and about 40% are first-generation college students. Despite this broad access mission, ESU maintains strong graduation rates and helps students achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations.
What sets East Stroudsburg apart is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine wide access with meaningful upward economic mobility. Graduates earn a median of $56,148 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income students who earn around $45,900 at the same milestone. The university's value-added earnings performance shows graduates earning nearly $4,744 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting ESU's ability to maximize student potential regardless of background.
As a comprehensive public university, East Stroudsburg offers the personal attention of a medium-sized institution while maintaining the program breadth and affordability families expect from Pennsylvania's state system. For students who want proven results without the selectivity barriers or high costs of more prestigious options, ESU represents a particularly strong public university choice in the Northeast.
East Stroudsburg University's program portfolio reflects its mission of preparing students for stable, in-demand careers across Pennsylvania's regional economy. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 152 students annually with median earnings around $38,807, making it a cornerstone program that combines accessibility with solid financial outcomes. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 127 graduates, represents another major pathway, leading to median earnings of $33,352 in fields like fitness, rehabilitation, and sports management.
The university's highest-earning program is Adult Health Nursing, where 56 graduates achieve median earnings of $68,079, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals throughout Pennsylvania and the broader Northeast region. This program exemplifies ESU's strength in professional preparation, offering direct pathways to well-compensated, stable careers that serve essential community needs.
While Psychology graduates earn more modest amounts at $29,443 with 89 graduates, this reflects the field's typical requirement for additional training rather than program weakness. Across all programs, East Stroudsburg's strength lies in providing solid foundational education that prepares students for career advancement, whether through immediate employment or further professional development. The university's diverse program mix ensures students can find pathways aligned with their interests while maintaining realistic expectations about post-graduation outcomes.
East Stroudsburg University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $56,148, placing the university around the national average for earnings outcomes. More importantly, graduates earn nearly $4,744 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating ESU's ability to add meaningful value to student careers through effective education and career preparation.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business Administration, the university's largest high-return program with 152 graduates, produces median earnings of $38,807 early in graduates' careers. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest-earning program, with 56 graduates earning around $68,079 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, one of ESU's most popular majors with 127 graduates, leads to median earnings of $33,352, while Psychology graduates earn around $29,443, typical for foundational liberal arts fields that often require additional training for career advancement.
The university's strength lies in preparing students for stable, middle-class careers across diverse fields. With over 1,000 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, ESU demonstrates consistent ability to launch students into well-paying positions, particularly in healthcare, business, and education sectors that form the backbone of Pennsylvania's regional economy.
East Stroudsburg University offers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. Low-income students pay approximately $12,003 per year in net price, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families face annual costs around $15,326. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $19,841 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial sustainability for graduates. Typical students leave with about $24,218 in federal loan debt, a manageable amount given ESU's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,973, representing moderate family investment that aligns with the university's middle-class career outcomes. With a 0% federal loan default rate, ESU demonstrates that its graduates successfully manage their educational investments and transition into stable employment.
What makes East Stroudsburg particularly sustainable is the relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. The combination of reasonable net prices, moderate debt levels, and reliable post-graduation earnings creates a financial pathway that works for families across the economic spectrum, especially those seeking proven value without the premium costs associated with more selective institutions.
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania Hub Overview
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