Community College of Allegheny County vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PA | West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Poor return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | -99% | +80% |
| 10-year net gain | $-32,061 | $81,912 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $45,050 | $63,380 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $35,385 | — |
| Average net price | $13,970 | $23,331 |
| Median debt | $12,680 | $23,500 |
| Break-even | 651.2 yrs | 5.5 yrs |
| Graduation rate | — | 71% |
| Admission rate | — | 78% |
Community College of Allegheny County
Poor return
$-32,061 over 10 years
On these figures the cost and debt outweigh the earnings premium.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Strong return
+$81,912 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.