Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh

University Park, PA — Raleigh, NC

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Location University Park, PA Raleigh, NC
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 27,371
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 41.7%
SAT Average 1,337 1,376
In-State Tuition $20,644 $8,799
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $32,847
Avg Net Price $32,875 $17,303
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $20,121
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 84.7%
Retention Rate 92.6% 94.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $57,623
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $68,758
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 703000.0%

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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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and North Carolina State University at Raleigh 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. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) has an acceptance rate of 41.7%, in-state tuition of $8,799, and median 10-year earnings of $68,758.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $68,758 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the more affordable option at $17,303 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 84.7%.

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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