Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Harvard University
University Park, PA — Cambridge, MA
| Metric | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA | Harvard University Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | University Park, PA | Cambridge, MA |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 42,284 | 7,601 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 3.6% |
| SAT Average | 1,337 | 1,553 |
| In-State Tuition | $20,644 | $61,676 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,790 | $61,676 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,875 | $19,066 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 | $14,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.9% | 97.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6% | 98.3% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $55,620 | $99,572 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $101,817 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 3192600.0% | 42000.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Harvard 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. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 3.6%, in-state tuition of $61,676, and median 10-year earnings of $101,817.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Harvard University?▼
Harvard University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $101,817 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Harvard University?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Harvard University is the more affordable option at $19,066 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Harvard University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 97.5% vs 85.9%.
More Comparisons
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