Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Syracuse University

University Park, PA — Syracuse, NY

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Location University Park, PA Syracuse, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 42,284 15,477
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 45.9%
SAT Average 1,337 1,375
In-State Tuition $20,644 $65,528
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $65,528
Avg Net Price $32,875 $38,793
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $26,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 82.5%
Retention Rate 92.6% 90.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $60,459
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $79,164
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 471100.0%

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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Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Syracuse 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. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) has an acceptance rate of 45.9%, in-state tuition of $65,528, and median 10-year earnings of $79,164.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $79,164 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Syracuse 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 $38,793.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 82.5%.

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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