Geneva College graduates demonstrate strong financial responsibility, with no federal loan defaults and manageable debt levels that align well with post-graduation earning capacity.
The college's engineering programs and competitive pricing create solid value for students seeking personalized education in technical fields.
Geneva College is a small private nonprofit institution in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, that combines personalized education with solid career preparation in select fields. While the college doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall outcomes, it offers a distinctive value proposition through manageable costs and strong performance in specific programs, particularly engineering and applied technical fields.
The college serves about 32% Pell Grant recipients and nearly 25% first-generation students, providing access to higher education for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Geneva's 61% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many small private colleges face, but students who complete degrees often find stable career paths, especially in technical and business fields.
What distinguishes Geneva is its approach to affordability and program focus. Net prices remain reasonable across income levels, with middle-income families paying around $17,479 annually and low-income students paying $18,950. The college's engineering programs stand out as a particular strength, producing graduates who earn significantly more than the institutional median and contribute substantially to the college's overall employment outcomes.
Geneva College's program portfolio reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented education with particular strength in technical fields. Applied Engineering emerges as the clear standout, graduating 72 students with median earnings of $52,789 and generating the highest aggregate economic return of any program. This represents the college's strongest pathway to above-average earnings and demonstrates Geneva's capability in technical education.
Business Administration and Management serves as the college's largest program with 46 graduates earning around $38,289, providing solid middle-class career preparation though at more moderate earning levels. Adult and Continuing Education, while smaller with 20 graduates, reflects Geneva's commitment to serving non-traditional students, though earnings outcomes around $34,298 are more modest.
The concentration of strong outcomes in engineering highlights Geneva's technical education strengths while also revealing the importance of program selection. Students interested in engineering and applied technical fields will find Geneva's focused approach and small class sizes advantageous, while those in other fields should carefully evaluate career prospects and earning potential relative to their educational investment.
Geneva College graduates earn a median of $50,004 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 59th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. While this represents solid middle-class earning potential, graduates typically earn somewhat less than what similar students achieve at comparable institutions, reflecting the college's focus on regional employment markets and specific program concentrations.
Program choice makes a substantial difference in financial outcomes at Geneva. Applied Engineering stands out as the college's strongest economic program, graduating 72 students with median earnings of $52,789 and generating the highest aggregate return of any major. Business Administration and Management, the college's largest program with 46 graduates, produces more moderate earnings around $38,289, while Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn approximately $34,298.
The college's relatively small size means that individual programs carry significant weight in overall outcomes. Engineering and applied technical fields drive much of Geneva's stronger earnings performance, while other programs tend toward more modest but stable career paths. Students considering Geneva should carefully evaluate their intended major, as the college's return on investment varies considerably depending on field of study and career trajectory.
Geneva College maintains competitive affordability across income levels, with net prices that often undercut larger private institutions. Low-income students pay approximately $18,950 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $17,479 per year. Even high-income families pay $24,652, which remains reasonable for private college education and reflects Geneva's commitment to accessible pricing.
Debt levels at Geneva are manageable for most graduates. Students typically leave with about $25,198 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,850. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite earning levels that are moderate compared to some peer institutions.
Geneva's affordability strength lies in predictable costs and reasonable debt loads rather than exceptionally low prices. The college's financial aid approach helps keep net prices stable across income bands, and the combination of moderate borrowing levels with steady employment outcomes creates a sustainable financial picture for most families, particularly those who value the small college experience and personalized attention that Geneva provides.
Geneva College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
