Keystone College serves as an access point for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education, with nearly half of students being first-generation college attendees.
While earnings outcomes lag national averages, the college maintains strong loan repayment performance with no federal defaults.
Keystone College is a small private nonprofit institution in La Plume, Pennsylvania, serving students who value personalized education in an intimate campus setting. While the college faces challenges with completion rates and earnings outcomes compared to national averages, it provides meaningful access for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants and 48% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving diverse backgrounds. The college's 6-year graduation rate of 41% and median 10-year earnings of $44,976 place it below typical benchmarks, but these outcomes must be understood within the context of the student population it serves. For families seeking a small college experience with strong student support systems, Keystone offers an alternative to larger institutions, though prospective students should carefully consider the financial investment relative to expected career outcomes.
Keystone College's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving students interested in helping professions and applied fields. Business Administration and Management stands out as the program with the strongest combination of enrollment and earnings outcomes, graduating 26 students who earn a median of $34,793 ten years after graduation. This represents the college's most economically successful pathway, though earnings remain modest compared to business programs at larger institutions.
Applied Behavior Analysis and Exercise Science and Kinesiology represent the college's other major program areas, each graduating around 20 students annually. These programs typically lead to careers in education, therapy, fitness, and healthcare support roles that prioritize service over high compensation. Applied Behavior Analysis graduates earn $24,532 at the ten-year mark, while Exercise Science graduates see median earnings of $22,912. These outcomes reflect the reality that many graduates enter fields requiring additional certification or graduate education for career advancement.
The concentration in service-oriented programs aligns with Keystone's student body and mission but contributes to the college's overall earnings challenges. Students drawn to these fields often prioritize meaningful work and community impact over maximum financial returns, which helps explain why the college's graduates accept lower earnings in exchange for career satisfaction and social contribution.
Graduates of Keystone College earn a median of $44,976 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower portion of national earnings distributions. The college's graduates earn approximately $4,800 less than what similar students achieve at comparable institutions, indicating that earnings outcomes lag behind expectations. With only 26 students earning more than $75,000 annually, the data suggests that high-earning outcomes are relatively uncommon among Keystone alumni.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across the college's offerings. Business Administration and Management represents the strongest combination of enrollment and earnings, with 26 graduates earning a median of $34,793 ten years out. Applied Behavior Analysis enrolls 22 students but shows lower median earnings of $24,532, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 20 students with median earnings of $22,912. These figures reflect early-career earnings patterns typical of helping professions and fields that often require additional credentialing or graduate education for advancement. The concentration in these service-oriented fields helps explain the college's overall earnings profile, as many graduates enter careers in education, social services, and healthcare support roles that prioritize social impact over maximum compensation.
Keystone College's affordability picture presents mixed signals for prospective families. Low-income students pay approximately $21,257 annually in net price, while middle-income families face costs around $22,731 per year. High-income families see net prices rise to $30,181, reflecting the college's private tuition structure. These price points place Keystone in the lower portion of affordability rankings nationally, meaning families generally pay more relative to outcomes than at many peer institutions.
The debt burden for graduates requires careful consideration. Typical federal student loan debt reaches $26,000, which is substantial given the college's median earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,947, adding to the total family investment. While the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates can meet their basic repayment obligations, the combination of moderate debt levels with below-average earnings creates a challenging financial equation. Families should plan carefully for the total cost of attendance and consider whether the small college experience justifies the investment relative to available alternatives.
Keystone College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
