Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Waynesburg University #1106 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $4,535 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Waynesburg University in the 38.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Waynesburg University #992 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. ---
Azimuth ranks Waynesburg University #1106 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 25.3 percentile for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private university in Waynesburg, PA, Waynesburg University enrolls roughly 1,009 undergraduates. Retention is 71.6% and the six-year graduation rate is 65.5%, placing the institution among the stronger performers nationally for converting enrollment into degree completion. Where Waynesburg University performs strongest is return on investment. Azimuth ranks Waynesburg University #992 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 32.9 percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $59,019, placing Waynesburg University in the 39.2 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They earn about $4,535 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Waynesburg University in the 38.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The composite reflects a focused academic portfolio centered on Health fields, where employer demand and career outcomes align closely with graduate preparation. Access sits lower in the composite at the 27.2 percentile, reflecting Waynesburg University's smaller enrollment footprint and private tuition structure. Affordability ranks at the 45.6 percentile among nonprofit four-year institutions, shaped by the institution's pricing and aid availability. For students prioritizing strong post-graduation earnings and career readiness in health-focused fields, Waynesburg University delivers measurable financial returns relative to the investment required.
Waynesburg University's published cost of attendance is $44,397. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $12,916, middle-income families pay around $14,786, and higher-income families pay approximately $27,921. Azimuth ranks Waynesburg University #775 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Waynesburg University's aid structure combines need-based and merit-based components. Families apply using the FAFSA, and the university works to close the gap between published cost and what families actually pay through institutional scholarships and grants. The affordability rank reflects both the headline sticker price and the debt load graduates carry; understanding the relationship between sticker price and net price is essential when comparing institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $27,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $30,400; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,019, median federal debt of $27,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $305 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Waynesburg University is a strong fit for students interested in health-related fields who want a private nonprofit college experience in PA. Its program mix is concentrated in health, making it a good choice for students pursuing careers in nursing and related professions. Graduates earn median earnings four years after enrollment of $59,019, placing Waynesburg University in the 39.2 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $4,535 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 38.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The university enrolls a significant share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 38.2% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 26.4% are first-generation. Published cost of attendance is $27,921, and median federal debt at graduation is $27,000. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the 89.8% admit rate makes the application process selective, and the program mix favors health fields over other disciplines. Students whose interests align with health professions will find strong outcomes in this area.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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Financial GPS Tool
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This is the Waynesburg University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bluefield University Similar quality tier (#30548 ranked) | VA | 59% | $48,896 | #30548 | Compare |
Salve Regina University Similar quality tier in Northeast (#30547 ranked) | RI | 68% | $72,975 | #30547 | Compare |
Union Adventist University Similar quality tier (#30556 ranked) | NE | 100% | $55,045 | #30556 | Compare |
Southern Adventist University Similar quality tier (#30559 ranked) | TN | 66% | $53,723 | #30559 | Compare |
Berry College Similar quality tier (#30560 ranked) | GA | 64% | $53,800 | #30560 | Compare |
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Waynesburg University's published cost of attendance is $44,397. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $12,916, middle-income families pay around $14,786, and higher-income families pay approximately $27,921.
Azimuth ranks Waynesburg University #775 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
Waynesburg University's aid structure combines need-based and merit-based components. Families apply using the FAFSA, and the university works to close the gap between published cost and what families actually pay through institutional scholarships and grants.
The affordability rank reflects both the headline sticker price and the debt load graduates carry; understanding the relationship between sticker price and net price is essential when comparing institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $27,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $30,400; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,019, median federal debt of $27,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $305 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Waynesburg University earn median 4-year earnings of $59,019, placing the institution in the 39.2nd percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $4,535 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Waynesburg University in the 38.4th percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Waynesburg University #992 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 33.0th percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The earnings pattern reflects Waynesburg University's focus on Health fields, which account for 17% of graduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing is the largest program with 65 graduates earning median earnings of $79,037 four years after enrollment. The Criminal Justice and Corrections program graduates 34 students with median earnings of $51,781, while The Communication and Media Studies program graduates 21 students earning $45,152. These figures represent meaningful lifetime returns relative to Pennsylvania's no-degree-equivalent earnings baseline of $33,196 — the state median earnings of working adults age 25–34 with only a high school credential.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
65 graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations
19 graduates
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
8 graduates
Biology, General
12 graduates
Criminal Justice and Corrections
34 graduates
Waynesburg University's program mix is anchored in Health fields, reflecting the institution's identity as a career-focused private university. The largest programs include Nursing with 65 graduates earning $79,037 four years after enrollment, Criminal Justice with 34 graduates earning $51,781, and Communication and Media Studies with 21 graduates earning $45,152.
Business Administration and Security Science and Technology round out the five largest programs, each serving meaningful cohorts of students pursuing stable, in-demand career pathways. The institution's highest-earning programs cluster in specialized health and professional fields.
Nursing graduates earn $79,037 four years after enrollment with a cohort of 65 students, while Business Administration delivers median earnings of $61,457 for 19 graduates. Biology, General and Criminal Justice follow with four-year earnings of $55,691 and $51,781 respectively, reflecting strong labor-market positioning in fields where employer demand remains steady.
These earnings patterns correspond to the institution's concentration in Business at 17%, Social Sciences at 3%, and Education at 2%. Waynesburg University graduates from health-related and professional programs enter direct-to-workforce pathways where four-year earnings reflect immediate labor-market outcomes.
The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) framework shows that many of these fields—particularly in healthcare and applied professional services—align with sustained employer demand and wage stability. Across 0 ranked programs serving roughly 252 students annually, the institution's program portfolio emphasizes applied credentials and professional certification pathways that lead to predictable career entry and earnings progression.
