University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's published cost of attendance reaches $29,488 annually, including $14,620 in-state tuition, $26,494 out-of-state tuition, $10,848 for room and board, and $750 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $16,630 representing $12,858 in financial aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,478 |
| Tuition and Fees | $26,644 |
| Room and Board | $11,696 |
| Books and Supplies | $738 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$15,128 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,350 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,138 |
| $30–48k | $8,265 |
| $48–75k | $17,407 |
| $75–110k | $18,875 |
| $110k+ | $23,352 |
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's published cost of attendance reaches $29,488 annually, including $14,620 in-state tuition, $26,494 out-of-state tuition, $10,848 for room and board, and $750 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $16,630 representing $12,858 in financial aid savings. This net price sits $3,328 below the peer median of $13,302, making University of Pittsburgh-Bradford more expensive than similar institutions despite its public status.
The cost structure reflects the university's position as a regional public institution serving both in-state and out-of-state students, with meaningful financial aid reducing costs for many families. Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $11,352 for the lowest-income families to $23,283 for the highest-income families, demonstrating progressive aid targeting. The $11,931 gap between lowest and highest income tiers indicates that financial aid effectively reduces costs for families most in need.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing patterns at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford reflect moderate debt levels relative to national averages but above peer institutions. Median student debt reaches $24,250, with the middle 50% of borrowers owing between $9,750 and $28,150 upon graduation.
This debt level ranks at the 39th percentile nationally, indicating below-average borrowing relative to all institutions. However, compared to the peer median debt of $21,500, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates carry $2,750 more in student loans.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with annual loan payments representing a reasonable portion of graduate earnings. Parent PLUS loans show a median of $29,237 with monthly payments of $385, though this additional borrowing affects only families who utilize these supplemental lending options.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford presents a solid educational investment despite earnings beyond expectations showing modestly below average performance at -$4,763. The investment case rests primarily on strong absolute earnings outcomes, with graduates earning $66,125 annually compared to the peer median of $46,674, representing $19,451 in additional annual income.
This substantial earnings advantage over peer institutions more than compensates for the modestly higher debt levels and net costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, while the university's 82nd percentile ranking for median earnings demonstrates consistent strong outcomes.
The investment becomes particularly compelling for lower-income students, who benefit from reduced net prices, exceptional completion rates, and earnings of $55,300 that support significant economic mobility. The return on investment ranks at the 78th percentile nationally, reflecting well above average performance in converting educational costs into long-term earnings gains.
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's financial aid structure reflects its commitment to serving economically diverse students, with 46.0% of students receiving Pell grants compared to lower percentages at less accessible institutions. The average financial aid package reduces costs by $12,858 from the $29,488 sticker price to the $16,630 net price, representing substantial savings for most students.
Aid concentrates heavily toward lower-income students, with families earning under $48,000 paying approximately $11,300 annually while higher-income families pay more than twice that amount. The progressive aid structure supports the university's Mobility Engine designation by making education financially accessible to students from lower-income backgrounds who comprise nearly half the student body.
Financial aid effectiveness enables the university to maintain both accessibility and affordability, particularly for Pell-eligible students who demonstrate exceptional completion rates of 64.1%. The aid targeting aligns with student demographics, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent degree completion for lower-income students who show strong persistence once enrolled.
