Mid East Colleges: Costs & Outcomes (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

TL;DR

EDsmart Data analysis of 2024 College Scorecard data for Mid East shows: median public in-state tuition $15,208 (+175.9% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $61,295 (+12.8% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 76.9% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $15,498 (+15.4% vs U.S.) 1,930,190 students enrolled statewide.

Key Facts

  • Institutions in this profile: 1,013 campuses
  • Total college enrollment: 1,930,190 students
  • Median public in-state tuition: $15,208 (+175.9% vs U.S.)
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry: $61,295 (+12.8% vs U.S.)
  • Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 76.9% (-11.0 pp vs U.S.)
  • Median net price: $18,894 (+89.6% vs U.S.)
  • Median student debt at graduation: $15,498 (+15.4% vs U.S. $13,432); regional median $15,498. Debt rank: #2 nationally of 3 (lower debt = better rank)
  • Average completion rate (institutions in state): 57.8%
  • Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 79.4%
  • Student debt rank: #2 nationally of 3 (lower debt = better rank)

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Overview

EDsmart Data aggregates College Scorecard campus data across Mid East (Census region)—costs, debt, enrollment, completion, earnings, and top institutions—vs U.S. benchmarks.

Mid East vs national benchmarks

Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.

State versus regional and national education metrics
Geography In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion rate Enrollment
Mid East (region)$15,208$18,894$15,49857.8%1,930,190
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370

Earnings & employment outcomes: Mid East vs benchmarks

Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.

Earnings and employment outcome benchmarks
Geography Median earnings (10 yr) Working & not enrolled (8 yr) Retention (FT yr 1) 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment progress Debt ÷ earnings
Mid East$61,29576.9%79.4%4.5%—77.9%0.39
United States$54,32387.9%76.3%5.0%—73.7%0.41

States in Mid East

Member states in this Census region (by enrollment).

Peer comparison table
State In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion Enrollment Earnings (10 yr) Working (8 yr)
Mid East$15,208$18,894$15,49857.8%1,930,190$61,29576.9%
New York$7,340$9,373$15,21556.3%800,389$60,38642.9%
Pennsylvania$11,486$17,754$17,50057.9%469,126$62,10187.2%
New Jersey$6,300$11,024$11,99851.4%316,789$59,98884.0%
Maryland$5,166$10,555$13,00055.8%253,216$61,79786.0%
District of ColumbiaN/AN/A$20,00052.8%55,908$63,06676.7%
Delaware$5,445$13,910$10,50043.9%44,606$56,86884.1%
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370$54,32387.9%

Outcomes by sector in Mid East

Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).

Sector Campuses Median earnings (10 yr) Working share (8 yr) Retention 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment
Private for-profit14$40,17277.9%71.5%10.5%—42.4%
Private nonprofit204$61,72373.7%81.2%3.5%—79.3%
Public102$62,96385.0%77.7%5.6%—77.1%

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by graduation rate (150% time)

Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.

  1. Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 97.6%, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 96.5%, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 96.1%, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 95.4%, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 94.8%, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 94.1%, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  7. Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 93.8%, Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins University

    Private nonprofit · 5,693 enrolled · Baltimore

  8. Rank 8, Graduation Rate, 93.0%, Barnard College

    Barnard College

    Private nonprofit · 3,264 enrolled · New York

  9. Rank 9, Graduation Rate, 92.3%, Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore College

    Private nonprofit · 1,613 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Graduation Rate, 91.9%, Villanova University

    Villanova University

    Private nonprofit · 6,938 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)

Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 94.6%, Westminster College

    Westminster College

    Private nonprofit · 1,041 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 94.0%, Saint Vincent College

    Saint Vincent College

    Private nonprofit · 1,259 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 93.7%, Waynesburg University

    Waynesburg University

    Private nonprofit · 1,009 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 93.6%, Lebanon Valley College

    Lebanon Valley College

    Private nonprofit · 1,684 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 93.4%, Robert Morris University

    Robert Morris University

    Private nonprofit · 2,896 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 93.2%, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

    Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

    Public · 6,788 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 93.1%, Seton Hill University

    Seton Hill University

    Private nonprofit · 1,492 enrolled · Greensburg

  8. Rank 8, Employment Outcome, 92.8%, Thiel College

    Thiel College

    Private nonprofit · 788 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Employment Outcome, 92.6%, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

    West Chester University of Pennsylvania

    Public · 14,164 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Employment Outcome, 92.5%, Washington & Jefferson College

    Washington & Jefferson College

    Private nonprofit · 1,295 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 most selective colleges in Mid East (lowest admission rate)

Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.

  1. Rank 1, Admission Rate, 4.0%, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  2. Rank 2, Admission Rate, 4.6%, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Admission Rate, 5.4%, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  4. Rank 4, Admission Rate, 6.4%, Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins University

    Private nonprofit · 5,693 enrolled · Baltimore

  5. Rank 5, Admission Rate, 7.5%, Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore College

    Private nonprofit · 1,613 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Admission Rate, 8.8%, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Admission Rate, 8.8%, Barnard College

    Barnard College

    Private nonprofit · 3,264 enrolled · New York

  8. Rank 8, Admission Rate, 9.2%, New York University

    New York University

    Private nonprofit · 28,663 enrolled · New York

  9. Rank 9, Admission Rate, 11.7%, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  10. Rank 10, Admission Rate, 12.4%, Haverford College

    Haverford College

    Private nonprofit · 1,430 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.

  1. Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $171,264, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $152,656, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $146,624, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $146,204, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $129,269, Wagner College

    Wagner College

    Private nonprofit · 1,651 enrolled · Staten Island

  6. Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $125,391, Neumann University

    Neumann University

    Private nonprofit · 1,533 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $118,636, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  8. Rank 8, Entry-Level Earnings, $115,779, CUNY Medgar Evers College

    CUNY Medgar Evers College

    Public · 3,233 enrolled · Brooklyn

  9. Rank 9, Entry-Level Earnings, $113,777, Manhattan University

    Manhattan University

    Private nonprofit · 2,744 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Entry-Level Earnings, $113,718, CUNY York College

    CUNY York College

    Public · 4,345 enrolled · Jamaica

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.

  1. Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $268,121, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  2. Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $241,380, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  3. Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $223,309, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $217,973, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $196,467, Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins University

    Private nonprofit · 5,693 enrolled · Baltimore

  6. Rank 6, Early-Career Earnings, $194,365, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  7. Rank 7, Early-Career Earnings, $161,980, Colgate University

    Colgate University

    Private nonprofit · 3,180 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Early-Career Earnings, $159,452, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, Early-Career Earnings, $158,559, New York University

    New York University

    Private nonprofit · 28,663 enrolled · New York

  10. Rank 10, Early-Career Earnings, $156,982, Wagner College

    Wagner College

    Private nonprofit · 1,651 enrolled · Staten Island

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $105,360, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $90,555, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $90,326, Stevens Institute of Technology

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 4,222 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $88,810, Lehigh University

    Lehigh University

    Private nonprofit · 5,898 enrolled · Bethlehem

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $88,535, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  6. Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $87,830, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $87,815, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Mid-Career Earnings, $86,306, Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins University

    Private nonprofit · 5,693 enrolled · Baltimore

  9. Rank 9, Mid-Career Earnings, $84,905, Villanova University

    Villanova University

    Private nonprofit · 6,938 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Mid-Career Earnings, $84,533, Chamberlain University-New Jersey

    Chamberlain University-New Jersey

    Private for-profit · 1,226 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $112,152, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $105,524, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $100,949, Stevens Institute of Technology

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 4,222 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $100,118, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $98,435, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  6. Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $97,731, Lehigh University

    Lehigh University

    Private nonprofit · 5,898 enrolled · Bethlehem

  7. Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $97,098, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, 8-Yr Earnings, $95,369, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Private nonprofit · 5,714 enrolled · Troy

  9. Rank 9, 8-Yr Earnings, $94,574, Villanova University

    Villanova University

    Private nonprofit · 6,938 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, 8-Yr Earnings, $94,324, Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins University

    Private nonprofit · 5,693 enrolled · Baltimore

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $114,862, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $111,371, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $110,066, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $108,772, Stevens Institute of Technology

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 4,222 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $105,584, Lehigh University

    Lehigh University

    Private nonprofit · 5,898 enrolled · Bethlehem

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $104,043, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $103,494, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr Earnings, $102,491, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr Earnings, $102,051, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Private nonprofit · 5,714 enrolled · Troy

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr Earnings, $100,423, Villanova University

    Villanova University

    Private nonprofit · 6,938 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by 10-year ROI

Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $486,476, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

    Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 481 enrolled · Albany

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $468,350, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $383,026, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $382,669, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $358,634, Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins University

    Private nonprofit · 5,693 enrolled · Baltimore

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $346,980, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $332,466, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

    CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

    Public · 16,154 enrolled · New York

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $329,050, SUNY Maritime College

    SUNY Maritime College

    Public · 1,285 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr ROI, $320,320, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr ROI, $319,308, Lehigh University

    Lehigh University

    Private nonprofit · 5,898 enrolled · Bethlehem

Top 10 most affordable colleges in Mid East (net price)

Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.

  1. Rank 1, Net Price, $2,840, Talmudical Seminary of Bobov

    Talmudical Seminary of Bobov

    Private nonprofit · 602 enrolled · Brooklyn

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $4,156, Uta Mesivta of Kiryas Joel

    Uta Mesivta of Kiryas Joel

    Private nonprofit · 2,957 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $4,543, Be'er Yaakov Talmudic Seminary

    Be'er Yaakov Talmudic Seminary

    Private nonprofit · 765 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $4,844, Rabbinical Seminary of America

    Rabbinical Seminary of America

    Private nonprofit · 397 enrolled · Flushing

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $4,876, Mesivta Torah Vodaath Rabbinical Seminary

    Mesivta Torah Vodaath Rabbinical Seminary

    Private nonprofit · 399 enrolled · Brooklyn

  6. Rank 6, Net Price, $2,984, CUNY Hunter College

    CUNY Hunter College

    Public · 16,289 enrolled · New York

  7. Rank 7, Net Price, $6,128, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Net Price, $3,103, CUNY Brooklyn College

    CUNY Brooklyn College

    Public · 10,543 enrolled · Brooklyn

  9. Rank 9, Net Price, $3,033, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

    CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

    Public · 16,154 enrolled · New York

  10. Rank 10, Net Price, $6,640, United Talmudical Seminary

    United Talmudical Seminary

    Private nonprofit · 2,241 enrolled · Brooklyn

Top 10 colleges in Mid East by first-year retention (full-time)

Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 100.0%, Strayer University-Maryland

    Strayer University-Maryland

    Private for-profit · 1,043 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 98.9%, University of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania

    Private nonprofit · 10,650 enrolled · Philadelphia

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 98.4%, Cornell University

    Cornell University

    Private nonprofit · 15,995 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 98.4%, Princeton University

    Princeton University

    Private nonprofit · 5,709 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 98.3%, Be'er Yaakov Talmudic Seminary

    Be'er Yaakov Talmudic Seminary

    Private nonprofit · 765 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 98.1%, Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins University

    Private nonprofit · 5,693 enrolled · Baltimore

  7. Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 98.0%, Columbia University in the City of New York

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Private nonprofit · 8,973 enrolled · New York

  8. Rank 8, First-Year Retention, 98.0%, Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Private nonprofit · 7,304 enrolled · Pittsburgh

  9. Rank 9, First-Year Retention, 97.7%, Yeshiva of Machzikai Hadas

    Yeshiva of Machzikai Hadas

    Private nonprofit · 515 enrolled · Brooklyn

  10. Rank 10, First-Year Retention, 96.8%, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

In-state tuition: Mid East vs benchmarks

Sticker price

Mid East median in-state tuition is $15,208, +175.9% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: Mid East vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in Mid East is $15,498 (+15.4% vs U.S. median $13,432). Regional median: $15,498. Rank: #2 nationally of 3 (lower debt = better rank).

Median earnings (10 years out): Mid East vs benchmarks

Payoff

Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in Mid East center around $61,295 (+12.8% vs U.S.).

Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.

Employment outcome proxy: Mid East vs benchmarks

Working & not enrolled

The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 76.9% at the median Mid East campus (-11.0 pp vs U.S.).

Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).

Analysis & insights

EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.

Costs & borrowing

Mid East median public in-state tuition is $15,208, about +175.9% vs the national median.

Median graduate debt is $15,498 (+15.4% above the U.S. median of $13,432). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.

Student debt rank: #2 nationally of 3 (lower debt = better rank) (1 = lowest median debt).

Earnings, employment & retention

Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in Mid East are $61,295, about +12.8% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,323).

The median campus reports 76.9% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 87.9% (-11.0 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.

First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 79.4% vs a U.S. median of 76.3%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 4.5% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 77.9% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Westminster College (94.6%), Saint Vincent College (94.0%), Waynesburg University (93.7%), Lebanon Valley College (93.6%), Robert Morris University (93.4%), Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (93.2%), Seton Hill University (93.1%), Thiel College (92.8%), West Chester University of Pennsylvania (92.6%), Washington & Jefferson College (92.5%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.

Completion & workforce context

Within Mid East, sector medians diverge: Private for-profit median 10-yr earnings $40,172 (14 campuses); Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $61,723 (204 campuses); Public median 10-yr earnings $62,963 (102 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.

Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in Mid East is 57.8% (national institution average about 50.3%).

FAQ

How many colleges are in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: the Mid East regional profile aggregates 1,013 campuses and about 1,930,190 reported enrollment across member states.

What does college cost in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: regional median in-state tuition is $15,208 and median net price is $18,894 (+175.9% vs U.S. tuition median). National medians are $5,512 and $9,967.

What do graduates earn in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: median 10-year earnings across Mid East campuses is $61,295 vs $54,323 nationally.

What is typical student debt in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: regional median completer debt is $15,498 vs $13,432 nationally.

Which states are in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: member states in this Census region include District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania.

How many public vs. private colleges are in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: among reporting campuses: 102 public, 204 private nonprofit, and 14 private for-profit.

What are the top colleges in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: standouts in regional Top 10 lists include Carnegie Mellon University and Princeton University.

Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in the Mid East region?

EDsmart Data analysis: among 1013 campuses in the Mid East region, 9 historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs, IPEDS HBCU flag), including Delaware State University, University of the District of Columbia, and Howard University; 190 campuses with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment in College Scorecard demographics—a common Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) eligibility proxy; examples include University of the District of Columbia, Gallaudet University, and Trinity Washington University; 142 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Roman Catholic (65), Jewish (31), United Methodist (8).

Sources & related