DeSales University vs Lycoming College: which has better ROI?
DeSales University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $126,572 in 9.8 years versus 9.8 years at Lycoming College, on median earnings of $61,295 vs $56,210 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | DeSales University | Lycoming College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $31,643 | $19,140 |
| Total net cost | $126,572 | $76,560 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,295 | $56,210 |
| Median debt | $25,788 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 9.8 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $132,128 | $80,440 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, DeSales University or Lycoming College?
Lycoming College, at $19,140 a year after aid versus $31,643 — a gap of $12,503 a year, or $50,012 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do DeSales University or Lycoming College graduates earn more?
DeSales University graduates report a median $61,295 ten years after entry, $5,085 more than the $56,210 at Lycoming College. 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, DeSales University or Lycoming College?
DeSales University: its completers carry a median $25,788 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Lycoming College, a difference of $1,212. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at DeSales University, against 60% at Lycoming College. 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.