Students at Lebanon Valley College achieve strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally for return on investment.
The college's focus on career preparation and personalized education delivers meaningful financial outcomes that justify the private college investment.
Lebanon Valley College ranks among the top performers nationally for long-term earnings, placing in the 84th percentile for return on investment among all institutions. This small private college in Pennsylvania consistently delivers strong financial outcomes for its graduates, with median earnings of $62,621 ten years after enrollment. What makes Lebanon Valley particularly noteworthy is how it combines the intimate atmosphere of a small liberal arts college with the career-focused outcomes typically associated with larger universities.
The college serves a selective student population, with about 22% of students receiving Pell Grants and 28% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Lebanon Valley demonstrates strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited compared to larger public institutions. The college's 73% six-year graduation rate reflects its ability to support students through degree completion.
Located in Annville, Pennsylvania, Lebanon Valley College offers the advantages of a small private institution—personalized attention, close faculty mentorship, and a supportive campus community—while maintaining a clear focus on preparing students for successful careers. For families who can manage the higher net price of private education, the college delivers meaningful long-term value through strong earnings outcomes and career preparation.
Lebanon Valley College's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive liberal arts institution with strong professional preparation. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 36 students annually who earn around $42,930 in early career positions. This program combines liberal arts breadth with practical business skills, preparing graduates for management roles across various industries.
Education programs form another cornerstone of the college's offerings, with Adult and Continuing Education graduating 32 students annually and specialized programs like Education for Developmentally Delayed individuals serving smaller but focused cohorts. These education majors typically earn in the low-to-mid $40,000s early in their careers, reflecting the service-oriented nature of teaching and social work professions that often provide steady advancement and strong job security over time.
The college's small scale allows for intensive mentorship and career guidance across all programs. Faculty work closely with students to develop professional networks and practical skills that translate directly into employment opportunities. This personalized approach helps explain why Lebanon Valley graduates achieve strong long-term earnings despite the college's modest size—students receive the individual attention and career support that larger institutions often cannot provide.
Lebanon Valley College graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $62,621, positioning the college in the 84th percentile for earnings among all institutions. This performance reflects the college's focus on career preparation and its ability to connect students with employers who value the skills and work ethic developed at small private institutions.
The college's strongest programs center on business and education fields. Business Administration and Management leads in both enrollment and aggregate return, graduating 36 students annually with median earnings around $42,930. Education programs, including Adult and Continuing Education and specialized teaching fields, also show solid outcomes with graduates earning in the low-to-mid $40,000s early in their careers. While these starting salaries may appear modest, they reflect the nature of education and social service careers that often provide steady advancement opportunities and strong job security over time.
What sets Lebanon Valley apart is the consistency of outcomes across its programs. The college's small size allows for personalized career guidance and strong alumni networks that help graduates find meaningful employment. The institution's focus on practical skills and professional development, combined with the liberal arts foundation, creates graduates who are well-prepared for both immediate employment and long-term career growth in their chosen fields.
Lebanon Valley College operates at a higher price point typical of small private institutions, with net prices varying significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $20,164 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $24,785, and higher-income families pay about $31,143 per year. These prices reflect the college's position as a private institution that relies heavily on tuition revenue to maintain its small class sizes and personalized educational experience.
The college's financial aid strategy focuses on making education accessible across income levels, though the overall affordability percentile of 20.6% indicates that costs remain above average compared to other institutions. Families typically need to plan carefully for the full cost of attendance, as the sticker price reflects the premium associated with small private college education. However, many families find value in the personalized attention, small class sizes, and close faculty relationships that justify the higher investment.
For families considering Lebanon Valley, the key affordability question centers on whether the premium for private education aligns with their values and financial capacity. The college's strong graduation rates and solid long-term earnings help justify the investment for many students, particularly those who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic environments where they can build close relationships with faculty and receive individualized support throughout their college experience.
Lebanon Valley College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
