Muhlenberg College vs UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing: which has better ROI?
Muhlenberg College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $115,620 in 5.6 years versus 5.7 years at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, on median earnings of $69,107 vs $68,801 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Muhlenberg College | UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,905 | $29,374 |
| Total net cost | $115,620 | $117,496 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $69,107 | $68,801 |
| Median debt | $25,455 | $19,666 |
| Payback | 5.6 yrs | 5.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $299,320 | $291,324 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Muhlenberg College or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing?
Muhlenberg College, at $28,905 a year after aid versus $29,374 — a gap of $469 a year, or $1,876 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Muhlenberg College or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing graduates earn more?
Muhlenberg College graduates report a median $69,107 ten years after entry, $306 more than the $68,801 at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. 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, Muhlenberg College or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing?
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing: its completers carry a median $19,666 in federal loans versus $25,455 at Muhlenberg College, a difference of $5,789. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
82% of students finish at Muhlenberg College, against 75% at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. 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.