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Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Cheyney, PA·Public·721 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here. a public school with 721 students.

N/A
Accept
721
Students
$9,837
Net Price
16%
Grad Rate
$31,600
Earnings
10 yr
$13,000
Debt

About This School

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is a public institution located in Cheyney, Pennsylvania with approximately 721 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $9,837 per year. The graduation rate is 16%, and the typical graduate earns $31,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (CU) is a public historically black university in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth, it is the oldest of all historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. It is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The university offers bachelor's degrees and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: as the oldest HBCU in the country, Cheyney carries genuine historic significance and keeps costs low at around $9,800/year after aid, but a 16% graduation rate is a serious red flag that demands attention. Only about two-thirds of freshmen return for sophomore year, and median earnings of $31,600 a decade out suggest many students aren't reaching their full potential — possibly because they're not finishing. Worth considering only if you have a strong support plan in place and a specific reason beyond cost, such as a deep connection to its HBCU legacy.

Founded
1837
Setting
Fringe rural

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing31%
Social Sciences16%
Biological Sciences11%
Psychology9%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Computer Science4%
Education4%
Communications2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ed BradleyEddie HolmanRebecca Cole

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,904
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,870
Avg Net Price
$9,837
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$13,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
16%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
68%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$23,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black86%
Hispanic/Latino3%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (721 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

1837 University Circle

Cheyney, PA 19319-0200

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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