Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Kansas State University

University Park, PA — Manhattan, KS

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Location University Park, PA Manhattan, KS
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 15,142
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 81.7%
SAT Average 1,337 1,151
In-State Tuition $20,644 $11,221
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $28,568
Avg Net Price $32,875 $19,406
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $21,250
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 70.8%
Retention Rate 92.6% 85.6%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $49,330
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $57,262
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 746100.0%

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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Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Kansas State 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. Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) has an acceptance rate of 81.7%, in-state tuition of $11,221, and median 10-year earnings of $57,262.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Kansas State University?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $63,435 vs $57,262. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Kansas State University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Kansas State University is the more affordable option at $19,406 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 70.8%.

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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