Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Santa Clara University

University Park, PA — Santa Clara, CA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
Location University Park, PA Santa Clara, CA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 42,284 6,552
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 48.0%
SAT Average 1,337 1,426
In-State Tuition $20,644 $61,293
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $61,293
Avg Net Price $32,875 $50,062
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $19,162
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 88.2%
Retention Rate 92.6% 93.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $91,198
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $109,183
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 120700.0%

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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Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA) has an acceptance rate of 48.0%, in-state tuition of $61,293, and median 10-year earnings of $109,183.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $109,183 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Santa Clara University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $32,875 per year versus $50,062.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Santa Clara University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 88.2% vs 85.9%.

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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