Analysis
The four-year earnings figure tells the real story here: graduates earning $67,246 by year four suggests this program produces strong mid-career outcomes, even if the estimated first-year salary of $40,682 (drawn from four comparable Pennsylvania programs) looks merely average. That jump—from roughly $41,000 to $67,000 in three years—indicates graduates are likely entering fields where experience and credentials quickly translate into higher pay, such as nursing, health administration, or clinical roles that require post-graduate certifications.
The $27,000 debt load sits right at both the state and national median for health professions bachelor's programs, making it a reasonable investment if that year-four earning trajectory holds. While we can't know precisely what Elizabethtown's specific graduates earn in year one, the estimated figure based on peer Pennsylvania programs aligns with what similar health professions students typically face early on. The low national debt percentile (25th) confirms this school isn't overcharging relative to outcomes.
The practical question is whether your child plans to pursue a health career requiring additional training or licensure after graduation. If so, that strong four-year number suggests Elizabethtown prepares students well for those next steps, and the manageable debt won't become a barrier to further education. If they're planning to work immediately after the bachelor's degree, understand that comparable programs typically start around $41,000—solid but not extraordinary—with meaningful growth potential ahead.
Where Elizabethtown College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethtown College | — | $67,246 | — |
| Excelsior University | $52,631 | $83,502 | +59% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $36,819 | $70,368 | +91% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $47,570 | $69,530 | +46% |
| Thomas Edison State University | $72,628 | $68,341 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Elizabethtown CollegeElizabethtown | $36,842 | $40,682* | $67,246 | $27,000 | — |
 Saint Joseph's University - LancasterLancaster | $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801 | 0.39 |
 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh | $21,524 | $44,545* | — | $25,239 | 0.57 |
| Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia | $51,340 | $36,819* | $70,368 | $26,576 | 0.72 |
 La Roche UniversityPittsburgh | $33,120 | $29,678* | — | $26,000 | 0.88 |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000 | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Elizabethtown College, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.