Analysis
Pennsylvania's health professions programs show dramatic variance—from nearly $71,000 at Saint Joseph's Lancaster campus to under $30,000 at La Roche—making Gannon's position particularly hard to gauge. With first-year earnings estimated at $40,682 based on four comparable programs statewide, this falls right at Pennsylvania's median for the field but tells us little about what Gannon's specific graduates actually achieve. The $27,000 debt load sits squarely at both state and national norms, which at least means families aren't paying a premium for the uncertainty.
The four-year earnings jump to $64,241 offers the most concrete signal here, suggesting this credential has genuine career progression potential. That trajectory—from roughly $41,000 to $64,000 in three years—implies graduates are moving into roles with better compensation rather than staying stuck at entry-level pay. The 0.66 debt ratio would be manageable if that first-year estimate holds true.
The catch: those initial earnings are extrapolated from a small peer group, not Gannon's actual outcomes. Before committing, press the school's career services office for specifics—which health professions are their graduates entering, what certifications or licenses do most students pursue, and where do alumni typically work. The difference between becoming a surgical technologist versus a health information manager is substantial, and you need to understand which pathways this program actually prepares students for.
Where Gannon University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gannon University | — | $64,241 | — |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Gannon UniversityErie | $37,951 | $40,682* | $64,241 | $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 Gannon University, approximately 22% 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.