Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
2
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
5
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Key Metrics Compared
Official Data| Metric | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 95% | 54% |
| Graduation Rate | 53% | 84% |
| Avg Earnings (5yr) | $44,053 | $55,620 |
| Median Debt | $26,000 | $25,000 |
| Tuition (In-State) | $11,046 | $20,234 |
| Retention Rate | 75% | 92% |
| Financial Aid | 58% | 40% |
Comparison Analysis
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn significantly more than Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania graduates. Penn State graduates earn $55,620, while Commonwealth University graduates earn $44,053. Commonwealth University has a lower tuition cost at $11,046 compared to Penn State's $20,234.
Penn State has a substantially higher graduation rate of 84.4% compared to Commonwealth University's 53.3%. Penn State is also more selective, with an acceptance rate of 54.2%, while Commonwealth University has a much higher acceptance rate of 94.8%.
The overall value proposition depends on individual priorities. Penn State offers higher earning potential and a higher graduation rate, but at a higher tuition cost and lower acceptance rate. Commonwealth University offers a lower tuition cost and a higher acceptance rate, but with lower earnings and a lower graduation rate.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data