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Kutztown University of Pennsylvania vs Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: which has better ROI?

Public, Kutztown PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Harrisburg PA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

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 15.8 years at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, on median earnings of $52,374 vs $53,775 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKutztown University of PennsylvaniaHarrisburg University of Science and Technology
Net price / yr$21,331$15,376
Total net cost$85,324$61,504
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,775$52,374
Median debt$26,000$27,000
Payback15.8 yrs15.3 yrs
20-year net return$22,976$18,776

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, at $15,376 a year after aid versus $21,331 — a gap of $5,955 a year, or $23,820 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Kutztown University of Pennsylvania or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates earn more?

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania graduates report a median $53,775 ten years after entry, $1,401 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, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 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?

54% of students finish at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 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.

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania vs Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: frequently asked questions

Is Kutztown University of Pennsylvania or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology a better value?
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. It clears its $61,504 net cost in about 15.3 years versus 15.8 years at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, on median earnings of $52,374 vs $53,775 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: $15,376/yr net price after aid versus $21,331/yr at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania — a difference of $5,955 a year, or about $23,820 over four years.
Do Kutztown University of Pennsylvania or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates earn more?
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania graduates earn a median $53,775 ten years after entry, versus $52,374 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — a $1,401 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.