Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, on median earnings of $68,801 vs $63,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona | UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,213 | $29,374 |
| Total net cost | $88,852 | $117,496 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $68,801 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $19,666 |
| Payback | 5.9 yrs | 5.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $212,648 | $291,324 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, at $22,213 a year after aid versus $29,374 — a gap of $7,161 a year, or $28,644 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing graduates earn more?
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing graduates report a median $68,801 ten years after entry, $5,366 more than the $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. 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, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, 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 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. 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.