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Head-to-head comparison

Alvernia University vs Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Reading PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Harrisburg PA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Reading, PA

Alvernia University

Net price / year
$28,138
Earnings, 10 years
$55,055
Payback
16.8 yrs

Option B Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Net price / year
$15,376
Earnings, 10 years
$52,374
Payback
15.3 yrs
The verdict

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,504 in 15.3 years versus 16.8 years at Alvernia University, on median earnings of $52,374 vs $55,055 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAlvernia UniversityHarrisburg University of Science and Technology
Net price / yr$28,138$15,376
Total net cost$112,552$61,504
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,055$52,374
Median debt$27,000$27,000
Payback16.8 yrs15.3 yrs
20-year net return$21,348$18,776

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, at $15,376 a year after aid versus $28,138 — a gap of $12,762 a year, or $51,048 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates earn more?

Alvernia University graduates report a median $55,055 ten years after entry, $2,681 more than the $52,374 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

Completers at both borrow a median $27,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Alvernia University, against 34% at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. 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.

Alvernia University vs Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: frequently asked questions

Is Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology a better value?
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. It clears its $61,504 net cost in about 15.3 years versus 16.8 years at Alvernia University, on median earnings of $52,374 vs $55,055 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: $15,376/yr net price after aid versus $28,138/yr at Alvernia University — a difference of $12,762 a year, or about $51,048 over four years.
Do Alvernia University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates earn more?
Alvernia University graduates earn a median $55,055 ten years after entry, versus $52,374 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — a $2,681 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.