Students at the University of Scranton achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes, with graduates earning significantly more than peers at most institutions nationwide.
The university consistently delivers strong career preparation that translates into top-tier earnings across multiple professional fields.
The University of Scranton is a selective private Catholic institution that delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, this medium-sized university combines the personal attention of a smaller institution with the career preparation and alumni networks that drive strong earnings performance. Graduates earn a median of $74,652 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 91st percentile nationally for long-term earnings.
What distinguishes Scranton is its ability to prepare students for high-earning careers across multiple fields. The university's nursing program stands out as particularly strong, with graduates earning over $80,000 annually, while business and accounting programs also deliver solid financial returns. With about 22% of students receiving Pell Grants and a 20% first-generation share, Scranton maintains selectivity while serving some students from modest backgrounds.
As a Jesuit institution, Scranton emphasizes both academic rigor and values-based education, creating graduates who are well-prepared for professional success. The university's strong alumni network and career services contribute to outcomes that consistently exceed what similar institutions achieve, making it a compelling choice for families who can manage the investment required.
The University of Scranton's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on professional fields that lead directly to well-paying careers. Nursing stands out as the highest-return program, with 81 graduates annually earning a median of $80,779 ten years out, combining strong enrollment with exceptional earnings outcomes. This program exemplifies Scranton's strength in health-related fields, where graduates enter high-demand professions with clear career advancement paths.
Business and accounting programs also deliver strong returns, with accounting graduates earning around $63,997 in their early careers. These programs benefit from Scranton's location in the Northeast corridor and strong alumni networks in major metropolitan areas. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 71 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $21,052, reflecting the field's typical career patterns and the likelihood that many graduates pursue additional training or graduate education.
Even programs with lower initial earnings, like Biology with graduates earning $27,435, serve important pre-professional functions, preparing students for medical school, graduate programs, and other advanced training that leads to higher long-term compensation. The university's Jesuit tradition emphasizes both intellectual development and practical career preparation, creating graduates who are well-positioned for success across multiple professional fields.
University of Scranton 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 $74,652, ranking in the 91st percentile for earnings among all institutions. This performance reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and strong employer relationships that help students transition effectively into well-paying professional roles.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Adult Health Nursing leads with the highest aggregate return, graduating 81 students annually who earn a median of $80,779 ten years out. Accounting programs also perform well, with graduates earning around $63,997 in their early careers. Even Exercise Science and Kinesiology, one of the most popular majors with 71 graduates, provides solid career preparation despite more modest early earnings. Biology graduates, while earning less initially at $27,435, often pursue advanced degrees that lead to higher long-term compensation.
The university's selective admissions and strong academic preparation help explain why graduates perform well in competitive job markets. Scranton's Jesuit tradition emphasizes both intellectual development and professional ethics, creating graduates who are attractive to employers across healthcare, business, education, and other professional fields.
Affordability at the University of Scranton varies significantly by family income, reflecting the typical pattern at selective private institutions. Low-income students pay about $17,968 annually after aid, which is competitive for a private university but still represents a substantial investment. Middle-income families face net prices around $24,999, while high-income families pay approximately $38,306 per year, approaching the full cost of attendance.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses resources on students with the greatest need, though middle-income families often find themselves in a challenging position where they don't qualify for substantial aid but still face significant costs. Most students who borrow take on federal loans averaging $27,000, which is manageable given the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $33,716, reflecting the reality that many families need additional financing beyond what students can borrow independently.
What makes Scranton's costs more sustainable is the strong return on investment graduates achieve. With median earnings of $74,652 ten years out and a 0% federal loan default rate, most borrowers can handle their debt obligations comfortably. The university's loan repayment rates are exceptionally strong, with borrowers paying down balances faster than national averages, indicating that the financial investment typically pays off for families who can manage the upfront costs.
University Of Scranton Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
