Alvernia University vs Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: which has better ROI?
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,504 in 15.3 years versus 16.8 years at Alvernia University, on median earnings of $52,374 vs $55,055 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Alvernia University | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,138 | $15,376 |
| Total net cost | $112,552 | $61,504 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,055 | $52,374 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 16.8 yrs | 15.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $21,348 | $18,776 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, at $15,376 a year after aid versus $28,138 — a gap of $12,762 a year, or $51,048 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates earn more?
Alvernia University graduates report a median $55,055 ten years after entry, $2,681 more than the $52,374 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
Completers at both borrow a median $27,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
56% of students finish at Alvernia University, against 34% at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.