Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Carlow University

University Park, PA — Pittsburgh, PA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA
Location University Park, PA Pittsburgh, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 42,284 1,348
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 87.0%
SAT Average 1,337 1,080
In-State Tuition $20,644 $35,874
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $35,874
Avg Net Price $32,875 $20,786
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $25,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 57.6%
Retention Rate 92.6% 84.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $44,876
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $51,051
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 106200.0%

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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Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Carlow University 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. Carlow University (Pittsburgh, PA) has an acceptance rate of 87.0%, in-state tuition of $35,874, and median 10-year earnings of $51,051.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Carlow University?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $63,435 vs $51,051. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Carlow University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Carlow University is the more affordable option at $20,786 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 57.6%.

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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