Government-Verified Education Data

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Q: How much does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus cost?

In-state tuition is $20,234 and out-of-state tuition is $40,188 per year.

Q: What do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $55,620 and 10 years after is $63,435.

Q: What percentage of students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus take federal loans?

39.9% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a total enrollment of 41,862 students (public institution). That is about 27× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

Out-of-state tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $40,188 per year, compared with $20,234 for in-state students — a difference of $19,954. That is 51% above the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240 and 1420 on the SAT (middle 50%), with an average composite score of 1337. Reading/writing range: 620–700; math range: 620–720.

Q: What ACT score do you need to get into Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

The middle 50% of admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus score between 27 and 32 on the ACT.

Q: How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry — 17% above the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 80% of ranked U.S. colleges.

University Park, Pennsylvania · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$55,620

Acceptance Rate

54%

Graduation Rate

84%

Annual Tuition

$20,234

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry — 17% above the national median. Acceptance rate 54.2%, average SAT score 1337, in-state tuition $20,234.

At a Glance

Total Students

41,862

Retention Rate

92%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

40%

Median Debt

$25,000

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,337

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

620–700

SAT Math (middle 50%)

620–720

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

27–32

Institution Overview

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a large public university with over 41,000 students. The university has a 54.2% acceptance rate and a high retention rate of 92%. The graduation rate is 84.4%. The median debt for graduates is $25,000, and nearly 40% of students receive financial aid.

The university's in-state tuition is $20,234. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $54,468. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $55,620, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $63,435.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$54k

1 YEAR

$56k

5 YEARS

$63k

10 YEARS

Top 20% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median salary of $54,468. After five years, median earnings are $55,620. Ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $63,435. The median debt for graduates is $25,000.

The university has a high retention rate of 92% and an 84.4% graduation rate. The university's acceptance rate is 54.2%. Almost 40% of students receive financial aid.