Drexel University vs University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown: which has better ROI?
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,808 in 4.1 years versus 4.2 years at Drexel University, on median earnings of $66,125 vs $84,648 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Drexel University | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $38,509 | $18,202 |
| Total net cost | $154,036 | $72,808 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $84,648 | $66,125 |
| Median debt | $25,325 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 4.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $571,724 | $282,492 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Drexel University or University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown?
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, at $18,202 a year after aid versus $38,509 — a gap of $20,307 a year, or $81,228 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Drexel University or University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduates earn more?
Drexel University graduates report a median $84,648 ten years after entry, $18,523 more than the $66,125 at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. 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, Drexel University or University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown?
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,325 at Drexel University, a difference of $1,075. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
78% of students finish at Drexel University, against 56% at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. 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.