University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus vs Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus comes out ahead: 70/100 to 11/100, a 59-point edge over Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania runs $14,265 a year against $30,434 at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - $16,169 more a year, or about $64,676 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates earn a median $66,125 against $37,837 at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. The cost earns itself back in 8.4 years at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and 69.5 years at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Cheyney University of Pennsylvania owing a median $21,785 versus $24,250 at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.55 and 0.92 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Pittsburgh-... | Cheyney University of Pen... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $21,926 | $10,904 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,430 | $18,870 |
| Net Price (avg) | $30,434 | $14,265 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $121,736 | $57,060 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $44,300 | $23,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $66,125 | $37,837 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.5% | 40.6% |
| Payback Period | 8.4 yr | 69.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,250 | $21,785 |
| Monthly Payment | $257 | $231 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.55 | 0.92 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 84.2% | 42.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 79.8% | 27.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 58.1% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 20,370 | 617 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Pittsb... | Cheyney University o... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,709 | $13,585 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,371 | $12,358 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $23,192 | $14,773 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $31,567 | $20,215 |
| $110,001+ | $36,008 | $16,493 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Pittsb... | Cheyney University o... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $95,917 | $44,072 |
| Sociology | $51,654 | $47,889 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Pittsb... | Cheyney University o... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 56 | 11 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 72 | 10 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 64 | 7 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 22 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 70 | 11 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus clearly outperforms Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (70 vs 11), a 59-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Cheyney University of Pennsylvania brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus.
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.