Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Bismarck State College

University Park, PA — Bismarck, ND

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND
Location University Park, PA Bismarck, ND
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 2,839
Acceptance Rate 60.6%
SAT Average 1,337
In-State Tuition $20,644 $5,247
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $7,331
Avg Net Price $32,875 $10,270
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $11,533
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 47.6%
Retention Rate 92.6% 76.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $50,401
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $54,277
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 224400.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Bismarck State College compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Bismarck State College (Bismarck, ND) has no published acceptance rate, in-state tuition of $5,247, and median 10-year earnings of $54,277.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Bismarck State College?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $63,435 vs $54,277. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Bismarck State College?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Bismarck State College is the more affordable option at $10,270 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 47.6%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025