Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania vs Alvernia University: which has better ROI?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,796 in 15.5 years versus 16.8 years at Alvernia University, on median earnings of $52,416 vs $55,055 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | Alvernia University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,699 | $28,138 |
| Total net cost | $62,796 | $112,552 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,416 | $55,055 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 15.5 yrs | 16.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $18,324 | $21,348 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania or Alvernia University?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, at $15,699 a year after aid versus $28,138 — a gap of $12,439 a year, or $49,756 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania or Alvernia University graduates earn more?
Alvernia University graduates report a median $55,055 ten years after entry, $2,639 more than the $52,416 at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. 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, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania or Alvernia University?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alvernia University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
56% of students finish at Alvernia University, against 54% at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. 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.