Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs California State University-Fresno

University Park, PA — Fresno, CA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA
Location University Park, PA Fresno, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 21,605
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 95.3%
SAT Average 1,337
In-State Tuition $20,644 $7,350
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $19,950
Avg Net Price $32,875 $7,000
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $14,505
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 55.9%
Retention Rate 92.6% 81.6%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $44,012
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $61,244
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 587900.0%

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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California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and California State University-Fresno 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. California State University-Fresno (Fresno, CA) has an acceptance rate of 95.3%, in-state tuition of $7,350, and median 10-year earnings of $61,244.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or California State University-Fresno?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $63,435 vs $61,244. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or California State University-Fresno?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Fresno is the more affordable option at $7,000 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 55.9%.

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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