Students at Seton Hill University benefit from a supportive environment where graduates successfully manage their financial obligations, as evidenced by the 0% default rate on federal loans.
The university combines solid completion rates with the personalized attention that comes from a small private college setting.
Seton Hill University is a small private nonprofit institution in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, that serves about 1,800 students in a close-knit campus environment. The university focuses on providing personalized education with strong faculty-student relationships, though its outcomes place it in the middle range among similar institutions nationwide.
Graduates earn a median of $51,748 ten years after enrollment, which ranks in the 58th percentile nationally—a solid if not exceptional return. The university serves a moderate share of low-income students, with about 30% receiving Pell Grants and 24% being first-generation college students. As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Seton Hill provides reasonable access while working to improve outcomes for the students it serves.
What distinguishes Seton Hill is its small scale and focus on undergraduate education. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty mentorship, though this comes at a higher net price than public alternatives. For families seeking a traditional private college experience with predictable, if moderate, career outcomes, Seton Hill offers a stable path forward.
Seton Hill University's program portfolio reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented education in fields that serve regional employment needs. Digital Marketing stands out as the strongest financial performer, combining solid enrollment with competitive early-career earnings of $41,565—a reflection of growing demand for digital skills across industries.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 35 students annually into health and fitness careers. While earnings in this field average $24,421, this reflects the typical trajectory for graduates who often pursue additional certifications, graduate study, or specialized training in physical therapy, athletic training, or related fields. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn around $27,765, serving the steady demand for educational professionals in the region.
As a small institution, Seton Hill graduates enter focused professional networks rather than massive alumni bases. This can be advantageous for mentorship and local connections, particularly in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area where many graduates remain. The university's emphasis on practical skills and professional preparation helps students transition effectively into their chosen fields, even if the financial returns are more modest than at larger research universities.
Seton Hill University graduates achieve moderate long-term earnings, with a median of $51,748 ten years after enrollment. This places the university in the 58th percentile nationally—a solid middle-ground performance that reflects steady career progression rather than exceptional financial outcomes. Early career earnings start around $43,700 at the six-year mark, showing gradual income growth as graduates establish themselves professionally.
The university's strongest program financially is Digital Marketing, which combines reasonable enrollment of 21 graduates with median earnings of $41,565, creating the highest aggregate return among Seton Hill's programs. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the largest program by enrollment with 35 graduates, though earnings in this field average $24,421—typical for health and fitness careers that often require additional certification or graduate study. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn around $27,765, reflecting the steady but moderate pay scales common in educational fields.
While Seton Hill doesn't produce the high-earning outcomes seen at more selective institutions, it provides reliable preparation for middle-class careers across education, health sciences, and business fields. The university's small size means graduates enter a more intimate alumni network, which can be valuable for mentorship and local job connections in the Pittsburgh region.
Seton Hill University's affordability varies significantly by family income, following typical private college patterns. Low-income families pay about $14,651 annually after aid—a reasonable figure that makes the university accessible to Pell-eligible students. Middle-income families see net prices around $18,474, while higher-income families pay closer to the full cost at $28,577 per year.
Debt levels are moderate but meaningful for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $27,000, and families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $29,000. Combined, this represents substantial borrowing that requires careful consideration given the university's moderate earnings outcomes. However, the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that most graduates successfully manage their repayment obligations.
The loan repayment trajectory shows that Seton Hill borrowers generally stay on track, with about 80% of the original balance remaining after four years—a pace that's slightly better than national averages. This steady progress reflects the university's focus on career preparation and the stability of graduates' employment, even if earnings growth is more gradual than at higher-return institutions.
Seton Hill University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
