Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Pennsylvania

University Park, PA — Philadelphia, PA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Location University Park, PA Philadelphia, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 42,284 10,650
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 5.4%
SAT Average 1,337 1,553
In-State Tuition $20,644 $68,686
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $68,686
Avg Net Price $32,875 $28,699
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $15,715
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 96.7%
Retention Rate 92.6% 98.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $90,555
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $111,371
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 202200.0%

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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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Pennsylvania 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. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, in-state tuition of $68,686, and median 10-year earnings of $111,371.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $111,371 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pennsylvania?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Pennsylvania is the more affordable option at $28,699 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.7% 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