Gwynedd Mercy University vs UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing: which has better ROI?
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $117,496 in 5.7 years versus 5.9 years at Gwynedd Mercy University, on median earnings of $68,801 vs $67,145 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Gwynedd Mercy University | UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $27,483 | $29,374 |
| Total net cost | $109,932 | $117,496 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $67,145 | $68,801 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $19,666 |
| Payback | 5.9 yrs | 5.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $265,768 | $291,324 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Gwynedd Mercy University or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing?
Gwynedd Mercy University, at $27,483 a year after aid versus $29,374 — a gap of $1,891 a year, or $7,564 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Gwynedd Mercy University or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing graduates earn more?
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing graduates report a median $68,801 ten years after entry, $1,656 more than the $67,145 at Gwynedd Mercy University. 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, Gwynedd Mercy University or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing?
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing: its completers carry a median $19,666 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Gwynedd Mercy University, a difference of $5,334. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, against 57% at Gwynedd Mercy University. 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.