Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus comes out ahead: 62/100 to 51/100, a 11-point edge over East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania runs $18,134 a year against $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - $14,741 more a year, or about $58,964 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $63,435 against $56,148 at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and 10 years at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania owing a median $24,218 versus $25,000 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.57 and 0.69 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Pennsylvania State Univer... | East Stroudsburg Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $20,644 | $11,536 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,790 | $19,502 |
| Net Price (avg) | $32,875 | $18,134 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $131,500 | $72,536 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,600 | $35,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,435 | $56,148 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.1% | 43.1% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 10 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $25,000 | $24,218 |
| Monthly Payment | $265 | $257 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.57 | 0.69 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 79.3% | 77.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 75.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 92.0% |
| Enrollment | 42,284 | 4,814 |
| SAT Range | 1240-1420 | 1000-1180 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Pennsylvania State U... | East Stroudsburg Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $19,845 | $15,365 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $20,049 | $14,511 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $25,667 | $17,382 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $31,834 | $21,135 |
| $110,001+ | $37,831 | $22,892 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Pennsylvania State U... | East Stroudsburg Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $120,729 | $104,026 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $98,637 | $104,383 |
| Registered Nursing | $91,032 | $97,321 |
| Mathematics | $77,336 | $48,828 |
| Chemistry | $65,230 | $73,146 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $72,218 | $58,287 |
| International Relations | $68,918 | $42,428 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $67,399 | $55,237 |
| Biology | $64,910 | $63,320 |
| Hospitality Administration | $63,798 | $58,882 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $62,072 | $60,249 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $54,488 | $58,113 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,877 | $57,494 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management | $55,741 | $51,012 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,505 | $53,559 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Pennsylvania State U... | East Stroudsburg Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 46 | 65 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 58 | 31 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 26 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 68 | 61 |
| Overall ROI Score | 62 | 51 |
The Verdict
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the clearly stronger ROI here (62 vs 51) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is noticeably better. That said, if East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.