Students at Gannon University achieve earnings that consistently rank in the top 20% nationally, reflecting the university's focus on career-oriented programs with clear professional pathways.
Graduates earn more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the value of Gannon's practical, professionally-focused education.
Gannon University delivers strong long-term financial outcomes that place it among the top-performing private institutions nationwide. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, this mid-sized private nonprofit university consistently produces graduates who earn well above typical expectations, with median 10-year earnings of $58,845 that rank in the 80th percentile nationally. What makes Gannon particularly noteworthy is how effectively it translates a focused, career-oriented education into measurable financial success for its graduates.
The university's strength lies in its professional programs, especially nursing, engineering, and health sciences, which combine rigorous academics with direct pathways to stable, well-paying careers. With about 22% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 26% being first-generation college students, Gannon maintains selective admissions while still serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Gannon demonstrates that smaller private universities can deliver exceptional return on investment when they focus on programs with clear career trajectories. The university's approach emphasizes practical, professional preparation that translates directly into strong early-career earnings and long-term financial stability for graduates across multiple fields.
Gannon University's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on professional fields that lead directly to stable careers. Adult Health Nursing represents the university's strongest combination of scale and outcomes, graduating 57 students annually with median earnings of $54,760, creating the highest aggregate return among all programs. This reflects both the program's size and the strong job market for nursing professionals in healthcare systems across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Mechanical Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $58,673 for 26 graduates, demonstrating Gannon's ability to compete effectively in technical fields that require strong industry connections and hands-on training. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, while producing lower median earnings of $29,995, represents the largest single program with 55 graduates, indicating strong student interest in health and fitness-related careers.
This program mix emphasizes Gannon's commitment to career-focused education in health sciences, engineering, and applied fields. The university's ability to maintain strong earnings outcomes across these diverse professional programs suggests effective curriculum design, industry partnerships, and career services that connect students directly to employment opportunities. For students seeking practical, professionally-oriented education with clear career pathways, Gannon's program portfolio provides reliable access to stable, well-paying fields.
Gannon University graduates achieve strong financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. With median 10-year earnings of $58,845, graduates perform in the top 20% nationally, while also earning about $771 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs that lead directly to stable, well-paying employment opportunities.
The strongest financial returns come from Gannon's professional programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both a high-enrollment and high-return field, with 57 graduates earning a median of $54,760 ten years out, creating substantial aggregate value for the university. Mechanical Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $58,673 for 26 graduates, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology, though lower-earning at $29,995, represents the largest program footprint with 55 graduates annually.
This program mix reflects Gannon's strategic focus on health sciences, engineering, and applied fields that connect directly to regional and national job markets. The university's ability to consistently deliver earnings that outperform expectations suggests strong employer relationships, effective career services, and curriculum design that aligns with industry needs. For students choosing programs with clear professional pathways, Gannon provides reliable access to careers that support long-term financial stability.
Affordability at Gannon University presents a mixed picture typical of private nonprofit institutions. Low-income students pay about $16,808 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $21,199, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,859. These net prices place Gannon in the 40th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning costs run somewhat higher than many public alternatives but remain competitive within the private university market.
Debt levels require careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loans, and families often take on an additional $27,000 in Parent PLUS loans. However, Gannon's strong earnings outcomes help justify these borrowing levels. With median 10-year earnings of $58,845, most graduates can manage standard loan repayment comfortably, and the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that borrowers successfully navigate their repayment obligations.
The key to Gannon's affordability story lies in the relationship between upfront costs and long-term outcomes. While families pay more than they would at public institutions, the university's track record of producing graduates with above-average earnings helps ensure that the investment pays off over time. For families who can manage the initial financial commitment, Gannon offers a clear path to strong return on investment.
Gannon University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
