Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania · Public · 60.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 62/100 · Fair Value
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $20,644/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $41,790/yr |
| Average net price | $32,875/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $131,500 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 86.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 42,284 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,845 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,049 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,667 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,834 |
| $110,001+ | $37,831 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $96,714 | B |
| Information Science | $91,671 | B |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $120,729 | B+ |
| Psychology | $49,543 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,997 | B |
| Marketing | $79,343 | C+ |
| Economics | $81,228 | C+ |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $76,246 | C+ |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | $81,617 | D |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $98,637 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $20,644/year ($41,790/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $32,875/year, or roughly $131,500 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $19,845/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $37,831/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $63,435 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.57 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 76.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 79.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 74.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 620-720 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 620-700 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 27-32 |
| Enrollment | 42,284 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 13.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,120 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (this school) | 62 | $32,875 | $63,435 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | 77 | $17,339 | $60,409 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 63 | $22,063 | $65,287 |
| Kennesaw State University | 60 | $15,048 | $57,552 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | 51 | $18,134 | $56,148 |
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | 11 | $14,265 | $37,837 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $32,875 per year leads to $131,500 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $63,435 a decade out. The payback period of 9.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 86.1% graduation rate.
Median debt of $25,000 against $63,435 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.